12 Heritage
12 Heritage
July-August . 2024
Elevating Perak ’ s Muslim-friendly appeal
MB Inc . Perak aims to transform Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge No . 5 into a prime Muslim-friendly attraction
WITH the global Muslim population continually expanding , there is increasing potential to attract this demographic to tourism , particularly in states like Perak that are rich in natural wonders and historical heritage . Under the administration of Menteri Besar Incorporated Perak ( MB Inc . Perak ), significant efforts are being made to position Perak as a premier Muslim-friendly destination .
According to the MB Inc . Perak CEO , Anuar Zainal Abidin , the growing Muslim population worldwide presents a unique opportunity for the tourism sector , particularly in Perak .
“ Our expectation , or rather our idea , of how this opportunity can be leveraged in Perak is that it will increase revenue for the tourism sector , create new job opportunities , and empower local entrepreneurs ,” he stated .
“ What sets Perak apart from other states is its rich history and heritage , which falls under our administration , specifically Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge No . 5 ( TT5 ). MB Inc . Perak anticipates a significant increase in tourism spending and more extended stays , which will enhance Perak ’ s image as a new Muslim-friendly destination .
“ The TT5 heritage site can serve as a platform or medium for promoting heritage and potentially as a cultural exchange platform , particularly in the context of Muslim-friendly tourism .”
ENHANCING AWARENESS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Anuar acknowledged the challenges faced in making Perak a Muslim-friendly destination . He noted that the State is still somewhat lagging in terms of Muslim-friendly infrastructure and services .
“ We also feel that awareness is still relatively limited , with service providers perhaps not yet fully aware of the importance of providing more Muslim-friendly tourism services ,” he elaborated .
Anuar noted four strategies to address these challenges in general . The first step is intensive training programmes to enhance understanding among service providers . The second is strategic investments to provide better Muslim-friendly infrastructure , such as improved prayer facilities and more halal restaurants .
“ Third , collaboration with industry experts who can offer advisory services to help us obtain specific certifications for the Muslim-friendly tourism sector ; and finally , targeted marketing campaigns to highlight our country ’ s unique offerings as a Muslimfriendly tourism provider , particularly Perak as a Muslim-friendly destination ,” he added .
“ At TT5 , MB Inc . Perak has already made significant strides in providing Muslimfriendly facilities . In Tanjung Tualang , for instance , finding halal food can be challenging . Therefore , MB Inc . Perak has made some arrangements with halal restaurants and
TT5 Maze Park .
TT5 is a reminder of Malaysia ’ s glorious tin days .
Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge No . 5 .
MALAYSIA ’ S LAST TIN DREDGE
▶ The tin rush in Perak began in 1848 in Taiping , making Perak the wealthiest State in Malaya . Its capital , Ipoh , was fondly known as
“ The City of Millionaires .”
▶ Panning (‘ mendulang ’ or ‘ melampan ’) was the earliest method to source for tin ore .
▶ In January 1913 , Malayan Tin Dredging ( MTD ) introduced the first dredge in Batu Gajah .
▶ The cost to build one dredge then was nearly RM 40 million , and with 123 dredges in 1940 , the total foreign investment in the dredging industry was about RM 4 billion .
▶ Due to a decline in tin prices , operations started to shut down , and ‘ floating factories ’ were dismantled or sold off .
▶ Today , the only remaining tin dredge is Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge No . 5 ( TT5 ):
• It was built in England by F . W . Payne & Sons in 1938 .
• It was upgraded in 1963 .
• It continued its operation for 44 years until August 1982 .
• In 1997 , Malaysian Mining Corporation ( MMC ) donated TT5 to the Perak State Government .
Anuar Zainal Abidin
Anuar and ITC Director-General , Nizran Noordin .
shares this information with TT5 visitors .”
LOCAL COMMUNITY AS TOURISM AMBASSADORS
“ We also run community programmes such as Rumah Ngaji MB Inc at TT5 . This initiative aims to strengthen our relationship with the local community , where residents can serve as ambassadors for Muslim-friendly tourism ,” Anuar mentioned .
In addition to the efforts at TT5 , the Perak Government has undertaken several other initiatives . These include the annual Perak Halal Food Festival , which promotes local gastronomy , and the launch of the Islamic Heritage Trail , highlighting historical Islamic sites in the State . The State government has also collaborated with local hotels to offer more Muslim-friendly services .
Anuar highlighted the importance of community involvement in these Muslim-friendly initiatives , saying : “ The community can play a role by becoming tourism ambassadors , and local traders can obtain certifications to make tourists feel more confident about visiting Perak or Malaysia in general . Educational institutions can also offer courses related to Muslim-friendly tourism .”
STRENGTHENING BOND WITH ITC
Anuar extends its highest congratulations to the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) on its 15th anniversary of advancing the Islamic tourism industry in Malaysia .
“ We hope ITC will continue to promote the importance of preserving historical heritage in the context of Muslim-friendly tourism . MB Inc Perak also hopes that in the coming years , the existing networking between MB Inc Perak and ITC will be further strengthened , making Perak a more outstanding destination for Muslim-friendly tourism in the future .” – RnR