LANGKAWI, Sept 4 — The Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) has taken a different approach to promote cultural tourism on this legendary island through 10 micro-documentary videos.

LADA chief executive officer Dr Hezri Adnan said the production of the micro-documentaries was based on the concept of storytelling by individuals or well-known figures who were directly involved in the development of the Langkawi tourism industry.

“There are 10 micro-documentary videos produced, each with a duration of five to six minutes. As an example, we show ‘jikey’ which is a famous traditional Malay form of theatre in the northern states, but more interestingly in Langkawi, ‘jikey’ has aspects of multiculturalism, showcasing Malay, Chinese and Thai cultures,” he said.

He said this to reporters after the launching ceremony of the Langkawi Micro-Documentary Videos at Laman Padi here yesterday.

The event was officiated by Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.

Hezri said LADA is aware that the island receives a large number of tourists but it is more focused on existing attractions, even though in international tourist locations such as in Bali, Indonesia or Phuket, Thailand cultural tourism provides a good income to locals.

“In Langkawi, we do not have enough to highlight cultural products that can be an attraction to tourists, so on that basis, we feel the need to revisit the Langkawi cultural DNA that can go on to become future attractions.

“Actually, we may not find local practices very attractive but foreign tourists or even those from Kuala Lumpur and other big cities may be drawn to them and will become traditions on this island,” he said.

Hezri said so far three out of the 10 micro-documentary videos — “Pandai Kayu’’ (featuring traditional Malay architecture in Langkawi), ”Beras Terbakar” (set in a historic location) and “Gua Pinang” — had been uploaded on LADA’s social networking site and received good response.

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