ALOR STAR: Sultan of Kedah Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah has decreed to government departments and agencies to ensure that all tourism infrastructures and services are top-notch for the Visit Kedah 2025.
His Royal Highness welcomed the state government's initiative to promote Kedah as an eminent and more prominent holiday destination at the international level.
"In tandem with this wish, I hope that the departments and agencies will ensure all tourism infrastructures and services are in complete and perfect condition, to welcome visitors.
"In order to make sure that the government initiative is realised successfully, the level of cleanliness and splendour must always be at the best level, and to become the highest priority among the local authorities," Sultan Sallehuddin decreed at the awards and medals investiture ceremony in conjunction with his 82nd birthday celebration held at Istana Anak Bukit here today.
Sultanah of Kedah Sultanah Maliha Tengku Ariff, Raja Muda of Kedah Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Sultan Sallehuddin and Raja Puan Muda of Kedah Che Puan Muda Zaheeda Mohamad Ariff also graced the ceremony.
Sultan Sallehuddin also backed Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor's commitment to make Langkawi as the cleanest holiday island in the world.
"The local authorities must also keep the level of cleanliness being monitored more efficiently," he said.
The state government is set to launch the Visit Kedah 2025 this month.
Sultan Sallehuddin also expressed his appreciation to state and federal civil servants as well as all those in the security and health sectors for their loyalty and dedication to preserving the state's stability.
He congratulated the state government and local governments in Kedah for clinching many awards and recognitions at the federal and international levels.
His Royal Highness reminded civil servants that the success of all planning to develop the state depends largely on an administration that upholds the principles of trust, transparency, integrity and being free from power abuse and corruption.
"Quoting the words of John Maynard Keynes in his book Essays in Persuasion, 'no matter how powerful the economic engine is, it will not perform well, as long as one crucial part is malfunctioning'," he said.
Sultan Sallehuddin also paid tribute to the private sector, non-governmental organisations, and people from all walks of life for their contribution, support and commitment to developing the state.
He later wished all the best to Kedah athletes who are representing the state in the Sukan Malaysia (Sukma) 2024 in August.
"Give the best fight to make Kedah proud, with the support and prayers from everyone in the state," he said.