Residents against Langkawi bridge

LANGKAWI: Various quarters, including residents in Langkawi, are against the proposed bridge between the island and Kuala Perlis.

They agree with former prime minister Tun Mahathir Mohamed that the project can erode the island's unique features as a tourist destination.

Langkawi Member of Parliament Datuk Paduka Abu Bakar Taib said the project could result in traffic congestion as it would allow more vehicles from the
mainland to enter the island.

"The situation in Langkawi as an island should be retained," he said after presenting contributions for "moreh" (feast after terawih) from Amanah Saham Anak Langkawi (ASAL) to several mosques and surau here.

Two companies based in Perlis had proposed building a 48km bridge linking Langkawi to Kuala Perlis on the mainland.

Juruelit Sdn Bhd executive chairman Kamarudin Husin said on Friday that the company had enough funds to build the project which included a monorail bridge.

Kampung Kuala Melaka Federal Village Security and Development Committee (JKKKP) chairman Fadzil Din said the project could adversely affect tourism industry in Langkawi.

Tourists would not want to spend overnight in Langkawi as they would be able to return to the mainland, he added. -- Bernama