KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has a vast potential for Muslim tourism which should be fully exploited, said a tourism writers association.

The president of the Malaysian Tourism Writers Association (Tram), Azlie Halim said the country not only had a liberal policy but also offered various conveniences such as the availability of halal food, places of worship, political stability and diversity in tourism products.

"This advantage should be fully exploited to attract more Muslim tourists," he said in a statement, here today.

In this context, Azlie said the local authorities, Malaysian Islamic Development Department and Tourism Ministry should always monitor that Muslim tourism facilities in the country were properly maintained and improved.

He said Muslim tourism facilities such as the surau, places for ablution, toilets, direction of the 'kiblat' and halal food must be provided.