The Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) has adopted a different approach to promoting cultural tourism on this iconic island through 10 micro-documentary videos.

LADA Chief Executive Officer Dr Hezri Adnan said that the production of micro-documentaries was focused on the idea of storytelling by individuals or well-known figures who were directly involved in the growth 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.

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 visitors, but is more concentrated on established attractions, even though in international tourist destinations such as Bali, Indonesia or Phuket, Thailand's cultural tourism provides a good income for 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.

So far, Hezri said that three of the 10 micro-documentary videos—"Pandai Kayu "(with traditional Malay architecture in Langkawi)," Beras Terbakar "(with a historic location), and" Gua Pinang"—were uploaded to LADA's social networking site and received a good response.