SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER . 2023 | 17

DATO ’ ROSLAN Tan Sri Abdul Rahman has been appointed as the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism , Arts , and Culture ( MOTAC ). With a distinguished career spanning almost three decades in the Malaysian Civil Service , he has held various pivotal diplomatic roles . Roslan was previously the Deputy Secretary-General ( Management Services ) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia and also served as the High Commissioner of

the Commonwealth of Australia until August 2022 . He joined the civil service in 1995 , starting as a Foreign Service officer in 1996 . Roslan ’ s impressive portfolio includes roles such as Ambassador of Malaysia to

Havana , Cuba , Ambassador to Baku , Azerbaijan , and Consul General of Malaysia in Guangzhou , China . He brings a wealth of diplomatic experience and expertise to his new role at MOTAC .

IN SPAIN , the increasing number of Muslim tourists spends around US $ 2,000 for a four- to seven-day stay , nearly double the average tourist ’ s US $ 1,089 expenditure . Due to cultural and religious considerations , Muslim travellers seek halal accommodation , food , and services , making them inclined to choose destinations that cater to their needs .

Against this backdrop , Escuela Hostelería Salamanca is set to launch courses in September , granting students a dual qualification as a Higher Technician in Kitchen Management and a Halal Chef Diploma . This initiative was unveiled during a presentation at Casa Árabe in Madrid , supported by the Malaysian Embassy . Luqman Zhulkepli , the Embassy ’ s chef de cuisine , and the school ’ s director , Ricardo Gómez Marcos , demonstrated halal dish preparation .

The newly established qualification from Salamanca will be accredited by the Halal Institute based in Cordoba , directed by Muhammad Escudero Uribe , who issues certificates subscribed to by 520 Spanish companies . In collaboration with Escuela Hostelería , the ‘ Muslim-friendly ’ label has been introduced , endorsing establishments in line with Islamic law for their facilities , production processes , and services .

WESTERN AUSTRALIA has unveiled a new travel guide that promises to make journeys through the region smoother for Muslim travellers . The guide , Panduan Kembara Muslim Western Australia : Walking On A Dream , aims at Muslim tourists and provides specialised insights into halal-friendly experiences across Western Australia .

This comprehensive resource offers tailored information , including travel itineraries , halal dining options , mosque and prayer locations , and transportation guidance . While specifically designed

MYBURGERLAB ’ S central kitchen now holds an official halal certification from JAKIM , reaffirming its dedication to highquality ingredients . Originating in 2012 , three friends , inspired by brands like ShakeShack and In-N-Out , recognised the need for a premium burger experience in Malaysia .

“ We wanted to create a space where our guests can enjoy juicy burgers on a fresh bun while we get to play around and experiment with creative flavours and techniques ,” said myBurgerLab Co-founder Chin Ren Yi .

With a decade of success , the brand ’ s commitment to inclusivity led to halal certification , a crucial aspect of its diverse customer base . This journey highlighted the complexity of halal certification , which encompasses the entire supply chain . for Muslim travellers , the guide is a valuable tool for non-Muslim tourists planning visits to Australia ’ s largest State . It introduces the State ’ s tourism regions and includes flight details for convenient access .

Entering a new chapter with an expanded central kitchen , myBurgerLab embraced the meticulous process for halal certification . Following a three-month operational requirement , the kitchen achieved certification in June 2023 , reinforcing its quality commitment .

TO COMPLEMENT broadcasters and streaming platforms , Qalbox by Muslim Pro , the entertainment streaming service focused on global Muslim content , has joined forces with Astro , Malaysia ’ s satellite television and IPTV provider , to stream Muslim-focused content in the country exclusively .

Under this collaboration , Qalbox will be available on all Astro Ultra and Ulti Boxes as an add-on , offering extensive content for the Muslim community . Qalbox continuously aims to showcase Muslim identities and how faith is integrated into the everyday lifestyles of Muslims via Qalbox originals , such as

SITUATED IN the heart of Shah Alam city , Mardhiyyah Hotel & Suites has raised its curtain to announce a new brand , exclusive floor , named As- Safinaz . Minutes away from Kuala Lumpur , this As-Safinaz luxurious concept offers an excellent homegrown hospitality service with exclusivity .

As-Safinaz is located on the 17-19th floors . Guests will be pleasantly pampered with services and extra touches that make hotel stays more special - cherished memories in a haven where series like “ I Am Muslim ,” heartwarming personal stories from “ Food From the Heart ,” and the emotionally uplifting recitation “ Tadaruz Al-Quran .”

For young minds , “ Islam for Kids ” and “ Recite and Learn : The Word of Allah ” offer engaging and educational content . Captivating series such as “ Omar ,” “ The Sultan and Khan ,” and “ Little Mosque on the Prairie ” explore compelling narratives of Muslim culture .

relaxation and togetherness intertwine seamlessly .

Mardhiyyah Hotel & Suites has been certified by The Ministry of Tourism , Arts & Culture via the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) as a Muslim- Friendly Accommodation Recognition ( MFAR ) holder in the Platinum Category . The MFAR platinum category acknowledges it as a ‘ Muslim Friendly ’ concept hotel equipped with shariahcompliant facilities . As a feature of Muslim-friendly tourism , the hotel boasts JAKIM-certified halal restaurants . — R & R