LOCAL NEWS

@ Halal | July-August. 2026

The move aims to create greater transparency while ensuring pilgrims receive the services they have paid for, without compromising the quality of their religious journey.

The proposed framework will require travel operators to set a minimum package price and clearly outline what each package includes. Rather than focusing solely on cost, the initiative encourages greater accountability across the industry, enabling travellers to make more informed decisions before booking.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said that unrealistically low-priced packages often place unnecessary pressure on operators, increasing the risk of service shortcomings that could ultimately affect pilgrims.

By setting a pricing floor, the government hopes to curb unhealthy price competition while safeguarding service standards throughout the pilgrimage experience.

The framework will still allow operators to offer package categories, including Silver, Gold, Premium and Platinum, giving travellers the flexibility to choose according to their budget and preferences.

However, every package must meet the minimum standards set by the government, ensuring that affordability does not compromise reliability.

Beyond protecting consumers, the initiative also reflects Malaysia ' s broader ambition to remain a leading Muslim-friendly destination. As more countries strengthen their halal tourism offerings, competition for the global Muslim travel market is intensifying.

Destinations such as Macau, for instance, have expanded halal dining options, Muslim-friendly accommodation, airport prayer facilities and dedicated visitor information tailored to Muslim travellers.

To remain competitive, Malaysia will need to continue to enhance the quality of its Muslim-friendly tourism ecosystem through stronger industry collaboration, service innovation and international promotion.

Building trust has become as important as expanding infrastructure, particularly as Muslim travellers place greater emphasis on reliability, transparency and seamless travel experiences.

JOURNEY WITH CONFIDENCE: Strengthening service standards helps ensure every umrah pilgrimage is guided by trust, transparency and peace of mind.

Ultimately, the proposed minimum pricing mechanism is not simply about cost regulation. It marks a shift towards higher industry standards, ensuring that every pilgrimage is supported by reliable services, clearer expectations and greater peace of mind.

For travellers, confidence in the journey begins long before departure, and it is built on trust.

IN Malaysia, fulfilling business zakat obligations is becoming a key benchmark of corporate responsibility, alongside sustainability reporting, governance standards, and community programmes.

The Selangor Zakat Board( Zakat Selangor) has launched the Muzakki Zakat Selangor Recognition Initiative( IKTIRAF), Malaysia ' s first official certification programme for companies that consistently fulfil their business zakat obligations. The initiative encourages businesses to view zakat as an integral part of responsible corporate governance, not merely a financial obligation.

Eligible businesses receive an official e-Certificate and e-Label, each with a unique serial number, which can be displayed on products, premises, and promotional materials.

The public can verify a company ' s participation via a QR code, enhancing transparency and trust. This recognition serves as a certification mark.

Like other trusted labels, the IKTIRAF logo signals that a company has fulfilled its zakat obligations. For Muslim consumers, it offers added assurance when supporting businesses that contribute to the community.

In addition to public recognition, the initiative aims to raise awareness within the corporate sector. Rather than enforcement, Zakat Selangor seeks to foster long-term commitment by engaging business leaders and boards.

The goal is to establish zakat payments as an ongoing corporate practice, not a one-off contribution.

RECOGNISING RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS: IKTIRAF promotes transparency and accountability through business zakat recognition.

Zakat Selangor expects to recognise about 1,000 existing business zakat payers in the programme ' s first year, marking a significant step towards strengthening Malaysia ' s zakat ecosystem.

As environmental, social, and governance( ESG) principles shape global business strategies, initiatives such as IKTIRAF demonstrate that ethical practices can also be grounded in faith-based values.

The programme reinforces the idea that commercial success and social responsibility can advance in tandem.-