CYBERJAYA, April 17 -- The government will study the proposal to restore Langkawi's duty-free status as a move to revitalise the island's economy, which is currently facing challenges from rising costs and a decline in domestic tourism appeal.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the proposal deserves attention as Langkawi's tourism sector has been a bit sluggish lately.

"I have asked the Minister of Finance II (Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan) to take an overall look and see how it can be regenerated because costs in Langkawi are quite high, and that in itself cannot attract tourists, even domestic ones," he told reporters after performing Friday prayers at the Cyberjaya Fire and Rescue Department Surau here today.

Anwar also ex...