If you’re on the lookout for an amazing vacation destination that caters to your religious needs, look no further than the beautiful country of Malaysia! Brace yourselves, because this tropical gem has just been announced as the ‘Best Muslim-friendly destination’ by the prestigious Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the ‘Best Muslim women-friendly destination’ by CrescentRating and Mastercard at the Halal in Travel Awards.
At the event, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing announced that Malaysia remained the Global Muslim Travel Index 2023’s Best Muslim-Friendly Destination.
Malaysia has long been known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. But what sets it apart from other destinations is its commitment to providing Muslim travellers with an unforgettable experience that aligns with their beliefs and values. From halal food options to prayer facilities and Islamic-inspired attractions, Malaysia has it all.
One of the biggest concerns for Muslim travellers is finding halal food, and Malaysia takes care of that brilliantly. The country is a cultural mosaic of diverse ethnicities, including Malays, Indians, and Chinese, resulting in an incredible culinary tapestry. You can relish mouth-watering dishes like nasi lemak, satay, roti canai, and our world-famous Malaysian curries — all prepared according to halal standards.
As the Muslim population is projected to have reached two billion worldwide, Tiong claims that Muslims now make up a rapidly expanding portion of the tourism industry. He also praised the recovery rate of Islamic tourism at the global level, citing the 110 million Muslim tourist arrivals registered in 2022.
It was also a proud achievement for Malaysia when it was able to attract 2.12 million Muslim tourists last year, he said, referring to the number of visitors and the amount they spent totalling RM5.37 billion. In order to attract more Muslim tourists and grow the country’s Islamic tourism industry, Tiong has called on local business owners and industry players to provide Muslim-friendly hospitality services.
He encouraged them to take advantage of the Islamic Tourism Centre’s offerings, such as the Muslim-friendly tourist guide (MFTG) course, which is available to licensed local tour guides, and the Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality assurance and recognition (MFAR) programme, which facilitates business growth via the rapidly expanding Islamic tourism industry.
