LANGKAWI, Nov 27 — The Kedah government with the cooperation of the federal government is planning various programmes to further develop Langkawi to ensure this priceless jewel in the Andaman Sea continues to shine as an attractive tourist destination.

Mentri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir (picture) said the Langkawi Tourism Blueprint that was launched in 2011, aimed to place this legendary island alongside world-renowned resort islands like Seychelles, Mauritius, Bali, Hawaii and Maldives.

He said the implementation of the blueprint from 2011 until 2015 required concerted branding of the island, especially in promoting its awesome natural environment.

“Amid rapid development here, the state government ensures that the development carried out will not adversely affect Langkawi’s natural treasures,” said Mukhriz at the official opening of Istana Bukit Malut, here, today by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah.

Also present were Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah, Kedah Council of Regency chairman Tan Sri Tunku Anuar Sultan Badlishah and members of the council, state executive councillors and State Secretary Datuk Mohd Puad Mohd Ali.

Mukhriz said Langkawi’s development was being carried out holistically without sacrificing the duty-free island’s natural landscape, fauna and flora.

He also announced that Langkawi would host the launching of the Visit Malaysia Year 2014 programme, which would further highlight it to the world, while the Asean Summit would be held on the island in April 2015.

The summit is expected to be attended by leaders of the world’s big powers like United States President Barack Obama, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who will meet with the leaders of Asean member states, hence indirectly promoting Langkawi to the world.

At today’s event, Mukhriz took the opportunity to wish Tuanku Abdul Halim a happy birthday in conjunction with His Majesty’s actual date of birth of November 28.

He said the building of Istana Bukit Malut on a piece of land, which is part of the 99 East project site that includes a golf course and other components, was meaningful for the state government as it could be completed and presented to Tuanku Abdul Halim.

He said the nine-hole golf course was completed two years ago but the other components temporarily stalled due to certain matters involving the developer and state government, but efforts were being made to revive the project which would be another tourism landmark for Langkawi.

“I feel fortunate that Istana Bukit Malut, the name of which was consented by His Majesty, could be presented today.

“The construction of this palace project started during the time of Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid as the mentri besar then and continued during the time of the PAS state government and the current government.

“I believe that with Istana Bukit Malut built, both Your Majesties will visit beautiful and peaceful Langkawi more often,” said Mukhriz.

Tuanku Abdul Halim received a replica of the key to the palace from the mentri besar, and His Majesty and the Queen were then taken on a tour of the palace. — Bernama