JOHOR BAHRU, 17 March 2026: More than 6,800 visitors gathered at Masjid Sultan Iskandar for a special Ramadan Mosque Open Day and community iftar programme held in collaboration with the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC). The event marked the celebration of unity, hospitality and community engagement during the blessed month of Ramadan.
Held on 24 Ramadan 1447H, the event welcomed 6,807 participants, including members of the local community and visitors from diverse backgrounds who came together to experience the warmth and inclusivity of the mosque environment.
The occasion was officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records for hosting the largest iftar gathering ever held at a mosque in Malaysia.
The Mosque Open Day programme, ITC’s signature event held on a monthly basis at various mosques, aims to promote greater understanding of Islamic culture, heritage, architecture, and traditions while positioning mosques as welcoming spaces for both Muslims and non-Muslims. Through guided tours, cultural engagement, and communal iftar, visitors had the opportunity to learn more about the values of compassion, hospitality and unity that are central to Islam.
The collaboration reflects ongoing efforts to highlight mosques as important cultural and tourism assets. Mosques are not only places of worship but also important community spaces that reflect the beauty of Islamic architecture, culture and hospitality. Initiatives such as Mosque Open Day allow visitors to experience these values firsthand while strengthening mutual understanding among communities.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to promote mosque-based tourism experiences as a meaningful component of Malaysia’s Muslim-friendly tourism offerings.
The successful programme at Masjid Sultan Iskandar demonstrates how mosques can play a role in fostering community engagement while contributing to the growing interest in cultural and faith-based tourism experiences in Malaysia.
ENDS
Additional information:
Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR)
MFAR is a programme that recognises Muslim-Friendly tourism products based on globally accepted standards developed by Malaysia. It supports businesses that provide added value to Muslim tourists through products and services that meet their faith-based needs. Currently, MFAR covers accommodation, travel operating businesses and spa and wellness.
Tourist accommodation premises that meet the general MFAR requirements are ranked as MFAR Platinum, Gold, Silver or Lite according to their level of compliance with the guidelines.
Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guide (MFTG)
MFTG is a recognition awarded to tourist guides who have been accredited by the relevant authority (the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture – MOTAC) in Malaysia) and have completed the MFTG course. This initiative enhances the knowledge and quality of guiding services for Muslim tourists by addressing their religion-based needs and preferences.
About Islamic Tourism Centre
Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) is an entity under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia, tasked to develop the Islamic Tourism segment for Malaysia. It advocates for Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality (MFTH) by offering research and market intelligence, training, industry development consultation, services standards and recognition, and information exchange.
For further details, kindly email comms@itc.gov.my or the following individuals:
Anis Ramli, Corporate Communications Division, ITC at 012 321 913
Nadhirah Aripin, Corporate Communications Division, ITC at 019 356 053
Nurin Sufia Muazamir, Corporate Communications Division, ITC at 019 8013 400
