IN CONJUNCTION OF

LANGKAWI UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK REVALIDATION MISSION

Date: 3 July 2023
Time: 7.00 pm
Venue: Aloft Langkawi, Pantai Tengah Langkawi

SALUTATIONS

1. Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin,
Deputy Secretary General of Treasury (Investment),
Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors for Langkawi Development Authority (LADA)

2. The Honourable Dato Haji Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah,
Langkawi Member of Parliament

3. Yang Berbahagia Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr Ibrahim Komoo,
Vice President of the Global Geoparks Network Association,
Advisor of Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark

4. Profesor Dr. Zheng Yuannyuan,
Assessor and Expert of UNESCO Global Geopark

5. Dr. Jeon Yongmun,
Assessor and Expert of UNESCO Global Geopark

6. Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Abdul Ghafar Yahya,
District Officer of Langkawi

7. Yang Berbahagia Dato-Dato, Datin-Datin, Langkawi Geopark Ambassadors, Langkawi Geopark Partners, Langkawi Geopark Product Owners, Members of Media, ladies, and gentlemen.

OPENING REMARKS

1. Alhamdulillah, I express my gratitude to the Merciful and All-Beneficent Creator, by whose Grace and Blessings we have been able to gather here today for a dinner held in conjunction with the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark Revalidation Mission.

2. I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to Dato’ Anis, Co-chairman of LADA, for graciously inviting me to this meaningful dinner in honor of our Fourth Revalidation mission. It is a great privilege to be part of this journey and I truly appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the important work being done by LADA and its partners.

3. Also, I would like to extend a warm welcome to the two UNESCO assessors, Dr. Jeon Youngmun and Prof. Yuanyuan Zheng. I sincerely hope that you are pleased with the progress report and site visit that have been arranged. Our intention is to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the development of the tourism industry in Langkawi through the empowerment of the UNESCO Global Geopark concept.

4. The recognition of Langkawi as a UNESCO Global Geopark holds great significance in attracting more tourists to this exceptional destination, acknowledged by UNESCO as a world-class brand. Furthermore, it is crucial for the Langkawi community to collaborate and possess steadfast commitment towards establishing Langkawi as a prime example of successfully integrating ‘development and conservation’ in order to attain sustainable development.

5. Now, the entire Malaysian community is increasingly acknowledging the geopark’s vision as a tool for sustainable development and taking pride in the accomplishments of the Langkawi Geopark. Conducting periodic evaluations every four years by international experts is the optimal approach to ensuring that the development and trajectory of Langkawi Geopark are on the right path.

6. It offers an opportunity for all stakeholders to consistently prepare and enhance the quality of tourism development and products. Additionally, it can foster stronger relationships and build trust among all parties, working together to fulfill a shared vision.

7. As we are aware, the realization of the Langkawi Geopark vision cannot be achieved by a single party alone. While the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) has exerted significant efforts to uphold the Global Geopark status, it is crucial for various partners to actively contribute and play pivotal roles in supporting its endeavors.

8. The Langkawi Geopark is fortunate to have numerous partners, including the UKM Langkawi Research Centre, local community cooperatives, the Langkawi Hotel Network, school administrations, and Friends of Langkawi Geopark (FLAG), who have collectively contributed to the success of this agenda. The presence of Dato’ Anis as the Co-chairman of LADA and also the Deputy Secretary-General of Treasury (Investment), Ministry of Finance Malaysia, shows the high dedication of all stakeholders particularly federal government, state government and also Langkawi community to the Langkawi Geopark.
Ladies and gentlemen,

9. The Kedah State Government itself has shown great support for this endeavor. In February 2016, the State Government established the Geopark Promotion and Development Committee to oversee the development of the geopark around Gunung Jerai as a National Geopark. Alhamdulillah, after two years of dedicated efforts, on 18 July 2018, Mount Jerai was officially recognized as a National Geopark, bearing the name Jerai Geopark.

10. The State Government aims for Jerai Geopark to become a UNESCO Global Geopark, joining its sister, the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark, by the year 2025. Insya’allah.

11. The State Government recognizes the significant impact of the geopark agenda, particularly on the tourism sector within the state. This was proven in 2019, when the Langkawi tourism industry contributed 6.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Kedah, amounting to RM1.7 billion in the service sector. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused a sharp decline, with Langkawi’s tourism income decreasing by 59 percent to RM0.7 billion.

12. However, I am confident in the efforts of the Federal Government and LADA to restore the tourism industry in Langkawi. This can be shown by the number of tourist arrival in 2021 which have already reach 1.09 million. Additionally, we anticipate that this figure will not only rise again but also experience significant improvement with the successful attainment of a green card during this year’s revalidation mission.
Ladies and gentlemen,

13. We are creating another exemplary instance of our commitment to nature and our dedication to reducing our carbon footprint. Moreover, the Marriott Group, represented by four (4) hotels, namely the St. Regis Hotel, Ritz Carlton Hotel, Westin Langkawi Hotel and Aloft Hotel, will join hands with a shared understanding to actively promote mangrove planting as a pivotal component of our sustainability project. Through this collaborative effort, we will witness the positive impact it brings to our environment and the valuable contributions it makes towards preserving our natural resources.

14. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to responsible geotourism, sustainable practices, and community empowerment. Together, we can ensure that Langkawi Geopark thrives, inspiring visitors and benefiting local communities. I deeply appreciate all Geopark stakeholders, both within and outside Kedah, for their invaluable contributions. Your dedication and support have shaped the geopark’s success.

15. Tonight, let us celebrate not only our achievements but also the friendships and partnerships we have formed. May this gathering foster fruitful discussions and ideas that propel Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark to greater heights.

16. Thank you for being part of this momentous occasion. Your presence demonstrates your commitment to preserving our natural and cultural heritage. Let us continue working together to create a sustainable future for Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark.

17. With that, I end my speech with Wabillahitaufik Walhidayah Wassalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

Thank you.