MOTAC Announces New Deputy Minister

ON 17 December 2025, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture( MOTAC) announced the appointment of Chiew Choon Man as Deputy Minister. The appointment marks an important step in advancing national tourism priorities and reinforcing Malaysia’ s position as a diverse and globally competitive destination. His leadership and experience are expected to drive sustainable growth, innovation, and resilience across Malaysia’ s tourism and cultural sectors.- RnR

ITC Shares Expertise at International Platforms

BETWEEN 5 November and 8 December 2025, the Islamic Tourism Centre( ITC) contributed to multiple international platforms, including SESRIC’ s Expert Group Meeting on the Islamic Tourism Indicators Framework, the COMCEC Workshop on Reimagining Islamic Heritage Tourism, and the Global Muslim Business Forum at InterContinental Kuala Lumpur. ITC shared insights on measuring the impact of Islamic tourism, Malaysia’ s Islamic heritage tourism experience, and strategies to

FROM 24-26 November 2025, the 20th intake of the Muslim- Friendly Tourist Guide( MFTG) Training Course was held at Hotel Fairfield by Marriott Kuala Lumpur, bringing together 28 tourism and hospitality professionals committed to enhancing Malaysia’ s Muslim-friendly tourism standards. The three-day programme covered Islamic heritage, cultural sensitivities, halal practices, Shariah principles in tourism, and practical service skills. Participants engaged in interactive discussions, knowledge

MFAR Lite Empowers Penang’ s Homestays

Atotal of 43 Penang homestay operators completed MFAR Lite training under the PPP( Premis Penginapan Pelancongan) scheme, with sessions held at Homestay Pulau Betong, Balik Pulau( 6-8 December 2025) and Homestay Sungai Setar, Nibong Tebal( 10-12 December 2025). Organised in collaboration with the Implementation Coordination Unit( ICU) of the Jabatan Perdana Menteri( JPM), the three-day programmes strengthened participants’ knowledge of Islamic tourism fundamentals, MFTH essen-

The 20th MFTG Training Completed

ITC Highlights MFTG at SEA Conference

ON 12 November 2025, the Islamic Tourism Centre( ITC) was honoured to speak at the 2nd Southeast Asian Tour Guides Conference in Johor Bahru, organised by the Johor Tourist Guides Association. ITC Acting Director-General Puan Nur Alyssa Coraline Yussin emphasised that tourist guides form a destination’ s first impression and that their storytelling drives cultural and intellectual exchange. Attended by 250

ITM 2025 Concludes with RM2.65 Million in Sales

ON 4 December 2025, Islamic Tourism Month( ITM) 2025 was officially concluded after achieving its targeted sales revenue of RM2.65 million, marking the successful completion of a nationwide celebration of Muslimfriendly tourism. Organised by the Islamic Tourism Centre( ITC), ITM 2025 attracted 160 strategic partners, including hospitality brands, halal-certified establishments, and mosques. A key highlight was the ITM 2025 TikTok Challenge,

Malaysia Announces 11 New MFAR Recipients

ON 7 October 2025, the Islamic Tourism Centre( ITC) announced 11 new recipients of the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition( MFAR) programme, further strengthening Malaysia’ s position as a leading Muslim-friendly tourism destination. The recipients comprise nine hotels and two Tour Operating Businesses and Travel Agencies( TOBTAB).