THE illegal businesses operating along Pantai Cenang is a long-standing issue which needs strong political will to solve, said a Langkawi Municipal Council spokesman.

"Since the late 1980s, Pantai Cenang villagers have been building chalets, souvenir shops, eateries and pubs along the coastal stretch which they own.

"They did not realise that there were local council procedures involved. As they never applied for a planning permission and building plan for the structures, we cannot issue a business licence for the premises. Hence, their business is illegal from the outset," he said.

He added that the council was aware of the problem as it up-dated its records yearly and conducted regular surveys.

"Even though we have the right to demolish all illegal structures, we cannot simply do it because such drastic action will definitely cause negative repercussions to the state's tourism sector as well as the livelihood of the locals.

A chalet construction site has been turned into an ideal mosquito breeding ground. (Photos: The Star)

"When we issue notices to demolish the new illegal structures, they say it is unfair unless we also crack down on all the older establishments.

"If we were to do that, what is going to happen to Pantai Cenang? The majority of businesses will be gone overnight.

"This is not an issue the council can solve alone. There must be strong political will and the locals must co-operate with us.

Dump: Garbage dumps appearing all over the place.

"Government bodies like the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like tourism associations and environmental bodies must all work together if we are to find a solution,? he said, adding that there were about 300 businesses along the stretch.

Rubbish, tied up in bags and left uncollected behind some chalets along Pantai Cenang.

"We know that the majority do not have licences. I want to stress that this problem is only in Pantai Cenang.

"We have been keeping a very close watch on all other beaches on the island because we don't want the trend of locals setting up illegal businesses to spread to these places.

"Our enforcement officers are also monitoring the health and cleanliness aspect of the establishments regularly. These are indirect measures of handling the problem before a 'win-win' solution can be found," he said.