MALAYSIA STRENGTHENS ISLAMIC TOURISM WITH THE LAUNCH OF TOURISM MOSQUE DIRECTORY AND HOSTING OF MOSQUE TOURISM ROUNDTABLE

Kota Bharu, Kelantan, 14 July 2025 – Malaysia has launched the Tourism Mosque Directory and convened the Mosque Tourism Roundtable (MTRT) to further strengthen its position as a global leader in Muslim-friendly tourism. The event organised by the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) and Ministry Of Tourism, Art and Culture (MOTAC) in collaboration with the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) was officiated by YB Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC).

This initiative reflects the values of Malaysia MADANI in promoting inclusivity, sustainability, and mutual respect, particularly in highlighting the role of mosques as not only religious institutions but also as cultural and community landmarks.

Hotel Perdana Kota Bharu, a hotel proudly recognised with Platinum status under the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR) programme, was the chosen venue.

The Tourism Mosque Directory available in digital version at mymuslimtrip.com is a user-friendly guide designed to help both tourists and tourism industry players discover mosques across Malaysia. It was developed to fill a gap faced by travellers looking for mosques that match their travel interests – whether for prayer, cultural visits, or heritage experiences. At the same time, it helps mosques that are ready to welcome tourists gain better visibility.

In his speech, YB Datuk Khairul Firdaus said, “This directory is not merely a list of locations, but a platform for tourists to easily access information about mosques, including aspects such as history, community, available facilities, as well as nearby tourist attractions.”

The directory also supports the Malaysia MADANI vision of empowering communities by connecting local mosques with tourism opportunities, promoting economic participation and cultural pride.

Leading up to the debut of the directory, the MTRT was held for two days, gathering a total of over 90 participants in Malaysia, which involved mosque officers and volunteers. The programme aimed to increase the number of tourism mosques in Malaysia, widen the options for Muslim-friendly attractions for tourists, especially with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) around the corner, and encourage sign-ups for the Mosque Visit Guide (MosVi) training programme and mosque volunteers throughout the country.

The programme featured a series of insightful sessions. These included “Jelajah Rohani di Masjid Inspirasi” by ITC and JAKIM, a collaboration that showcased expertise in Islamic Tourism and religious guidance. Meanwhile, Masjid Sultan Iskandar Bandar Dato Onn Johor Bahru was highlighted for its best practices in tourism mosque management.

Other sessions included “Kemas dan Karisma” on hospitality etiquette by Mr Amin Idris, an image consultant and television host; and “Suara Masjid, Wajah Islam” on effective communication skills by Associate Professor Dr Khairunneezam Mohd Noor from Islamic Science University of Malaysia (USIM).

YB Datuk Khairul Firdaus emphasised the importance of mosque tourism in promoting Islamic values, moderation, and cultural understanding. “Mosque tourism should be seen as a bridge connecting visitors to the values, heritage, and moderation of Islam, while fostering dialogue between cultures and religions. With the commitment of local authorities and our collective efforts, I am confident that Malaysia can become a global leader in mosque tourism,” he remarked.

A technical visit was also conducted to selected Muslim-friendly tourism sites, including Masjid Beijing Rantau Panjang, known for its Chinese-style architecture, and Desa Gemalai Baruh Padi Alami, a traditional village practising agro-tourism in Kampung Lubok Jambu. These visits support efforts to align the broader tourism ecosystem with Muslim traveller needs.

Overall, MTRT encouraged community participation through storytelling, cultural activities, and heritage-based economic activities. These efforts support Malaysia’s continued ranking as the top Muslim-friendly destination globally, a position held for ten consecutive years according to the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) by Mastercard-Crescentrating.

The 2025 MTRT is a rebrand of the National Imam Roundtable – Mosque Tourism Edition, previously held in Putrajaya (2014), Kuala Terengganu (2017), and Penang (2019). Jointly organised by ITC, MOTAC and JAKIM, the roundtable reflects the government’s commitment to developing mosque tourism in a responsible, inclusive, and sustainable manner for the benefit of the nation, the tourism industry, and local communities.

Through such efforts, Malaysia continues to embody the Malaysia MADANI spirit — fostering unity, respect, and shared prosperity through tourism that uplifts both people and values.