Langkawi, 15th July 2020 – In facing the challenges of economic development in Langkawi, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and DXN Agrotech Sdn. Bhd. have established a strategic partnership in implementing the Integrated Agricultural and Fishery Pilot Project. The initiative is part of the actions put forward by LADA during the launching of Langkawi Economic Recovery Action Plan, presently known as Langkawi Economy Roadmap (HELANG). This project is also an initiative placed under TERAS – Economic Diversity, New Economic Opportunities Opening Strategy.

The Integrated Agricultural and Fishery Pilot Project in Ayer Hangat is executed with an aim to improve the socioeconomic status of Langkawi locals, whose incomes are severely affected due to the spread of COVID-19. Besides, it also provides opportunities for the locals who are interested to partake in the field of mushroom cultivation. This indirectly helps alleviate the economic burden shouldered by participants of this programme. In the same session today, two mushroom cultivation houses were handed over to Langkawi community precisely to Langkawi Anggerik Club as well as Kedah State Malay Hawkers and Petty Traders Association (Langkawi Branch). This action is in line with LADA’s effort in helping communities affected with COVID-19 pandemic.

The strategic partnership between LADA and DXN Agrotech Sdn. Bhd. in executing this modern agricultural industry benefits Langkawi community in the following aspects:

  • i. Provides training for chosen participants in the oyster mushroom cultivation programme;
  • ii. Creates new career opportunities for Langkawi residents;
  • iii. Builds and operates 20 oyster mushroom as well as other mushroom species houses;
  • iv. Builds and operates two (2) tilapia and marble (sand) goby ponds;
  • v. Builds and operates two (2) hydroponic vegetable cultivation projects; and
  • vi. Creates new agrotourism in Langkawi.

Furthermore, such partnership will also directly impact the community by offering career opportunities to 90 locals. This begins in the first phase with the hiring of 40 employees at Ayer Hangat Village (AHV) and 10 more at Mushroom Village. Accordingly, 40 job opportunities will be offered in the second phase of Mushroom Village enterprise. Langkawi community is deemed capable of generating positive income and is expected to obtain net income of up until RM2,400.00 per month for one mushroom house.

In effort to diversify the economy and income of Langkawi community, LADA is convinced that the creation of agrotourism industry in Langkawi will help improve the local economic wellbeing. Consequently, it will also branch out the community’s sources of income so that they would not have to continuously depend on tourism industry alone. This is because the industry may take a long time to recover and become stable in the nearest future due to the global issue of COVID-19 pandemic.

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Langkawi Development Authority (LADA)
15th July 2020

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For further information regarding this press statement/release, please contact
Corporate Services Unit (UKK) (LADA) at 04-9600626.