KUBANG PASU: The proposed LRT project in Langkawi has been cancelled after South Korea’s Royal Eco Train Development (RETD) decided not to invest in it.

State Industry and Investment, Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman Dr Haim Hilman Abdullah confirmed that after completing the project’s feasibility study last year, RETD chose not to proceed with the investment.

He said the state government shared the same view, noting that such a mega project might not benefit Langkawi.

Dr Haim made the remarks at a press conference after launching a new clinic Aurelius Frontier in Jitra on August 16.

However, he added that the Korean investors are still exploring investment opportunities in Kedah, particularly in public transportation and business development.

“The investors have shifted their focus to other possibilities and are exploring different modes of investment. The state government is open and welcomes proposals,” he said.

Dr Haim also said that as Langkawi’s population and tourist numbers continue to grow, the demand for a modern rail system may be reassessed in the future.

On April 29 last year, the state government announced that state-owned Permodalan Kedah Bhd (PKB) had signed an agreement with RETD to study the development of an LRT system in Langkawi over six months.

It was reported that the state government had planned to build an LRT line from Kuah ferry terminal to Pantai Cenang, with future extensions to other tourist destinations on the island.