The tourism industry on Langkawi and Redang islands has played an important role in improving the wellbeing
of the islands’ community. This study aims to investigate the contribution of the tourism sector towards
the well-being of the islanders through multiple indicators of well-being; employment, expenditure and
ownership. Qualitative methods were employed to look at the changes of the islanders well-being over 10 years,
after the year 2001. Both islands had been declared tourism destinations in the 1980’s. Several techniques were
used to get data; Focus Group Discussion (FGD); Interviews; and observation. The results showed there was a
clear improvement in the well-being of people on both islands, especially in terms of employment, income and
expenses. All respondents acknowledged that their well-being has changed after getting a lot of job
opportunities on the islands. Of the 30 respondents in Langkawi, most of them admitted that they have better
income. From the aspect of spending, all respondents spent enough for their families and themselves.
Ownership of the respondents on Langkawi island has also changed due to the increased income and expenses.
Analysis from the FGD session on Redang island showed that most of the informants admitted an increase in
jobs in the tourism sector enhanced the level of community’s well-being. As on Langkawi Island, employment,
expenditure and ownership for the islanders on Redang Island also increased. The increasing jobs in the tourism
industry on Langkawi and Redang Island enhance the level of spending and ownership, thus enhance the wellbeing
of the community on both tourism islands.
