JULY-AUGUST , 2023 | 19

Special Remarks by Ustaz Suharman Hj Edward , Islamic Religious Officer of the Kuching Division , who is the representative of the Chairman of the Sarawak Islamic Council .

Therefore , recognising the importance of mosque tourism , the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia ( USIM ) joined forces to create a comprehensive training module for the Mosque Visit Guide ( MosVi ) Training Course .

On Sept 1 , 2022 , ITC and the module developer from USIM had a workshop and discussion session at Movenpick Hotel in Sepang , Selangor , to refine and improve the draft module for the MosVi Training Course .

After the module was completed and ready to be implemented , Sarawak was chosen as the pioneer location for Mosque Visit Guide ( MosVi ) Training Course since a few mosques in Kuching , Santubong , Batang Sadong , Simunjan have participated in ‘ Seminar Pelancongan Islam ’ organised by ITC on Nov 27 , 2021 , at Pullman Hotel , Kuching .

The objectives of the MosVi Training

Course are :

• To strengthen the basic knowledge of Mosque Visit Coordinators in the Islamic tourism industry ;

• To improve the communication and interpersonal skills of mosque visit program coordinators ; and

• To equip Mosque Visit Coordinators with knowledge of comparative religions as well as skills in programme management .

MOSVI TRAINING COURSE IN SARAWAK

The MosVi Training Course in Sarawak was conducted for the first time from Nov 7 to 9 , 2022 , at Pullman Hotel , Kuching . Thirtyone participants from various mosques in Kuching , Santubong , Simunjan , Sebuyau , and other districts in Sarawak attended the course .

Some modules in the MosVi training course include :

• Islamic Tourism Industry & Mosque Tourism in Malaysia

• Characteristics and History of Mosque Construction

• Role and Importance of Mosques for Muslims

• Etiquette and Conduct in the Mosque

• Art of the Adhan ( Call to Prayer )

• Virtues of Salah ( Prayer )

• Basics of Comparative Religion

• Field Visits

• Group Workshops

• Public Speaking Skills

• Communication Skills for Mosque Tour Guides

• Integration of Media Technology in Public Communication for Mosque Tourism

• Needs and Expectations of Non-Muslim Tourists

• Assessment of Understanding On the second training day , the participants embarked on a fascinating day tour to explore several prominent mosques and Islamic tourism sites in Sarawak . Led by Bob Zakaria , a Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guide ( MFTG ) in Sarawak , the tour covered significant locations such as Masjid Darul Hana on Jalan Tun Salahuddin , Masjid Darul Muttaqin in Kampung Buntal , the picturesque Batu Gambar in Sg Jaong , Santubong , Masjid Nurir Rohmani in Kampung Santubong , Masjid Jamek Negeri Sarawak , Masjid Bandaraya Kuching , Masjid India Bandar Kuching , and Masjid Al Ghazali .

This insightful tour provided participants with practical exposure to the diverse and rich Islamic heritage present in Sarawak , further enhancing their skills as Mosque Visit coordinators .

This MosVi Training Course will also be organised in other states , such as Perak , Sabah , Pahang , and Pulau Pinang . The programme is a testament to ITC ’ s dedication to providing world-class Islamic tourism experiences . Focusing on empowering Mosque Visit coordinators and enriching visitors ’ understanding of Islam , the course sets a new standard for the industry . It contributes to Malaysia ’ s reputation as a leading destination for Islamic tourism . — R & R

Prof . Madya Dr Khairunneezam Mohd Noor from Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia ( USIM ) presented a lecture session on the topic “ Public Speaking ” and “ Mosque tour guides ' communication skills ”.

A photo session with the module developers .

Group photos during the technical tour session .