@Halal R&R - Rest & Rehlah January/February 2025 | Page 15

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January-February . 2025

Spotlight

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Unlocking Malaysia ’ s gems

13 industry leaders and media from 10 nations explore Malaysia ’ s Muslim-friendly tourism highlights

MALAYSIA CONTINUES to position itself as a leading destination for Muslim-friendly tourism by showcasing its rich cultural heritage , diverse attractions , and commitment to hospitality . This dedication was evident in Unlocking Malaysia ’ s Gems : MFTH Familiarisation Programme , which brought together 13 tourism industry professionals and media representatives from 10 different countries under the MTCP Visitor ’ s Programme . The initiative , organised by the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) with full support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( MFA ) and the Ministry of Tourism , Arts and Culture ( MOTAC ) under the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme ( MTCP ), ran from 27 November to 5 December 2024 . Participants experienced the finest of Malaysia ' s Muslim- Friendly Tourism and Hospitality ( MFTH ), exploring the vibrant streets of Kuala Lumpur , the historical treasures of Perak , the cultural allure of Penang , and the breathtaking landscapes of Langkawi . – RnR

Malaysia is a peaceful and harmonious country with a variety of delicious foods , and halal food is easily accessible . You don ’ t have to worry about halal food here . I would love to live here as a second home because it is a very safe , pleasant , and friendly country . - Khan Muhammad Sajid , Halal / Muslimfriendly Advisory , Okayama Muslimfriendly Tourism , Japan
I want to thank the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) for giving me the chance to enjoy this programme . All the staff at ITC are very enthusiastic and take good care of everyone in this programme . – Le Hang Linh , Bureau Chief , Vietnam News Agency-Kuala Lumpur Bureau ,
Vietnam
Malaysia is a fascinating country . The country is working diligently on Muslim-friendly tourism to promote halal food globally . I am thrilled to see the tourist destinations in Malaysia .
- Noh Navey , Chief Secretary for
Administration , Cambodian Muslim Youth Alliance , Phnom Penh , Cambodia
This is my first visit to Malaysia . Thank you to Malaysia and the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) for this golden opportunity .
– Pham Van Anh , Managing Director , Indo-Pacific Travel , Vietnam
This incredible journey is coming to an end . I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the new friends I met here , and I also want to thank the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) and the Ministry of Tourism , Arts , and Culture ( MOTAC ) for their hospitality . When I go back home , I will share my experience with my colleagues , especially about the charm and beauty of Malaysia . – Mairam Sadykbaeva , Assistant to the President , Kyrgyz Association of Tour
Operators , Kyrgyzstan
This programme was really interesting for me . As the saying goes , there is no age limit for education and learning . I learned a lot , and I would like to thank the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) as well as the staff for their efforts . Thank you very much .
– Mustafa Korkutata , Cultural and Tourism Affairs Counsellor , Embassy of Turkiye Tourism and Information Office ,
Turkiye
I want to express my gratitude to the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) for organising and providing such an excellent programme . I received many positive emotions here . For example , I got to know the local culture and met people from different countries .
– Nurcha Birnazarova , Specialist , Department of Tourism under the
Ministry of Economics and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic , Kyrgyzstan
I like the nature here ; everything is so picturesque and stunning . The service and people are warm and friendly , welcoming us with love and great care , with an open heart , generosity and kindness , along with its beautiful nature , showing us what true hospitality is ! – Laura Kultayeva , Tutor , Laura Prof , Kazakhstan
It is really a fantastic opportunity to be here . Thank you so much , Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ), for providing us with a chance to be in this wonderful land of Malaysia . There are two things that I want to mention here now : if you really want to create a Muslim-friendly tourism environment anywhere in the world , one is halal food , and the other is having surau or prayer facilities , which is very important . – Hafiz Maqsood Ahmed , Editor-in-Chief ,
Halal Times , Japan
This is my first time visiting Malaysia . Malaysia is a wonderful country with various cities , such as Perak , Ipoh , Langkawi , and Kuala Lumpur . Alhamdulillah , it always welcomed us warmly .
– Fares Dif , President , Develop ' ment ' Voyages , France
Terima kasih ITC . Jumpa lagi . – Azizkhon Maksumov , Head of Domestic and Pilgrimage Tourism , The State Committee of Tourism Development of
Uzbekistan , Uzbekistan
I loved all the destinations we visited . It was an amazing 10 days here . My favourite destination was Langkawi Island . I love the scenery , the sea , the beaches , and all the activities .
– Rauf Ismayilov , Senior Marketing Specialist , Azerbaijan Airlines , Azerbaijan
It feels like home . Everything is done and available to us the way we would do it at home . In South Africa , Muslims make up about 5 % of the population . Because we are a minority , we have to be careful about where we go , where we eat , and what we do . But here , it feels natural . It is what it is , as it should be . We slip in seamlessly , and you can just be yourself . I think that is what my countrymen also enjoy about coming here . It was an eye-opener into Malaysia post-Covid-19 lockdown and we look forward to sending clients to Malaysia .
– Nazreen Salie , Virtual Assistant , Cape Malay Consultancy , South Africa