The number of tourist arrivals to Langkawi Island has been negatively affected by the spread of false news about the coronary virus (Covid-19) by irresponsible social media.

The Chairman of the Hotel Association of Malaysia (MAH) Kedah / Perlis Branch Razmi Rahmat said the spread of untrue news also triggered panic and impacted hoteliers.

According to him, nearly 50 percent of tourists mainly from China canceled the hotel reservation, while the situation in Langkawi was still under control and free from the outbreak.

"The people of the island are healthy and not infected with Covid-19 but when anyone deliberately spreads the news, it is causing panic among the general public, affecting the tourism industry here," he said when met at a hotel in Kuah yesterday.

Razmi said 50 of the five to five star hotels under the association were affected.

"In addition to tourists from China, certain agencies who have booked for seminars also canceled their bookings," he said.

He said that in order to overcome this problem, the hotel management had taken the initiative by giving discounts to those staying at hotels around Langkawi.

"Many attractive deals with low prices are given to those who book.

"Previously the price for the four-star hotel was RM300 to RM400 but now we are offering it for only RM200," he said.

However, the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) 2020 which was recently held here has slightly increased hotel bookings on the island.