HE Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) is further expanding and rebranding its Muslim-friendly recognition initiative with the Muslim- Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Accreditation and Recognition ( MFAR ) programme , a more inclusive recognition programme , whereby various tourism sectors are eligible to be recognised as Muslim-friendly . To gather opinions and suggestions from the industry regarding these guidelines , ITC organised a workshop and expert review session that saw the participation of over 60 tourism stakeholders , including Projek Lintasan Kota Holdings Sdn Bhd ( PROLINTAS ).

As one of the leading highway concessionaires in Malaysia , PROLINTAS is committed to providing high-quality mobility solutions that cater to the needs of all travellers , including Muslims , who make up the majority of its customers .

The company , through its subsidiaries , is responsible for designing , constructing , operating , and maintaining essential expressways : Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway ( AKLEH ), Guthrie Corridor Expressway ( GCE ), Kemuning – Shah Alam Highway ( LKSA ), Kajang Dispersal Link Expressway ( Kajang SILK ), Damansara-Shah Alam Elevated Expressway ( DASH ) and Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway ( SUKE ), that serve tens of millions of roadusers every year .

Azmee Nin , the general manager of Highway Operations at PROLINTAS , stated that the company had always been inclined towards providing Muslim-friendly facilities on its highways .

“ That is why we do not see any major problem meeting the recognition requirements . It will also allow us to work with the government tourism agency , the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) , to further promote our highway facilities and amenities available along the highway . Though they are not only meant for Muslims , they are Muslimfriendly ,” Azmee elaborated .

MAINTAINING GOOD FACILITIES AND SERVICES

He said the existing amenities , such as food courts , restrooms , prayer rooms and kiosks at PROLINTAS ’ s rest and service areas ( RSAs ), met the basic requirements of a Muslim-friendly concept , including the availability of halal food from both Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera operators .

“ Basically , 100 per cent of the food at our RSAs is halal . What we

Azmee Nin

Inside the prayer room .

need to do now is to improvise continuously . “ To meet the recognition requirements set by ITC , RSAs must have clean and proper washrooms , prayer rooms , and other amenities . It is not an issue for us . We have staff who manage the restrooms 24 / 7 to ensure their cleanliness .

“ Additionally , we change and wash the prayer mats and telekung every three days . Muslim tourists from other countries can trust that the amenities we provide at our RSAs are clean and hygienic .”

EMPHASISING CLEANLINESS , COMFORT AND SAFETY

Azmee Nin mentioned that PROLINTAS had its highway patrols that operate around the clock to monitor the highways .

“ These patrols make routine stops at each highway , RSA or lay-by to ensure that the washrooms and other facilities are clean and well-maintained .”

As proof of its commitment to ensuring cleanliness at its RSAs , the food court at PROLINTAS ’ s Elmina RSA located along GCE has been recognised for its high cleanliness , safety and hygiene standards .

The Southbound RSA was awarded the First Runner-up ( Category C ) in Pertandingan

Anugerah Medan Selera Bersih , Selamat &

Sihat Negeri Selangor 2022 , organised by the Food Quality and Safety Division of the Selangor Health Department on Sept 24 , 2022 .

On Mar 7 , 2023 , both Elmina Northbound and Southbound RSAs received a 5-star rating for their public toilets and were recognised for their high level of cleanliness by the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Department of Shah Alam City Council .

Azmee also emphasised that PROLINTAS placed a high priority on the safety of its customers , with its highways being equipped with safety guards and other security measures . The lights are also properly maintained , providing a well-lit environment that helps people feel safe .

SUPPORTING ITC ’ S RECOGNITION PROGRAMME

Azmee then commented on the development of ITC ’ s inclusive recognition programme , emphasising that receiving such recognition would encourage highway concessionaires to maintain the standards required to keep it . He noted that ITC was extending its scope beyond hotels and accommodations to road

Parking area at Elmina RSA .

An open concept RSA .

travellers , and this effort would help enhance the Muslim-friendly positioning of the country . When asked about the benefits of Muslimfriendly recognition to highway operators , he said they would greatly benefit .

“ It will be a great advantage for us to promote our highways by creating a good and clean environment . We have various types of foods to provide for international tourists , clean prayer rooms , clean washrooms , etc .

“ We can achieve a lot through this industrial development in collaboration with ITC . However , we require more information from the agency regarding the number of tourists and their demands . In this regard , ITC can assist in promoting our Muslim-friendly highways and the facilities we provide .” — R & R