September-October. 2025

16 Mosque Tourism

Malaysia strengthens global position in mosque tourism with new directory and roundtable

The initiative, organised by the Islamic Tourism Centre( ITC) and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture( MOTAC) in partnership with the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia( JAKIM),

Jelajah Rohani di Masjid Inspirasi

A forum titled " Jelajah Rohani di Masjid Inspirasi " was held as part of the Mosque Tourism Roundtable( MTRT), featuring insights from key panellists on the role of mosques in tourism, governance frameworks, and community engagement. Highlights from the discussions are as follows:

The Role and Potential of Mosques in Tourism— Nur Alyssa Coraline Yussin, Acting Director, Islamic Tourism Centre( ITC)

Alyssa highlighted that mosques in Malaysia are emerging as significant tourism attractions, attracting both Muslim and non-Muslim visitors to iconic sites. She described mosques as cultural and religious bridges offering authentic local experiences, while functioning as multi-purpose centres for worship, administration, culture, social life, economy, and education. She also outlined ITC ' s strategic initiatives, including the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition( MFAR), Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guide( MFTG) certification, and mosque tourism programmes like MosVi and Mosque Open Day( MOD), which aim to professionalise and expand the sector.

Guidelines and Standards for Mosque Tourism— Osman Abu Bakar, Senior Assistant Director, Da ' wah Division, Department of Islamic Development Malaysia( JAKIM)

was officiated by MOTAC Deputy Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan.

Hotel Perdana Kota Bharu, which holds Platinum status under the Muslim- Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition( MFAR) programme, served as the venue for the event.

The two-day MTRT, which began on 13 July 2025, brought together over 90 participants from across Malaysia, including mosque officers and volunteers. Its objectives were to expand the number of tourism mosques in the country, diversify Muslim-friendly attractions ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026( VM2026), and encourage participation in the Mosque Visit Guide( MosVi) training programme as well as volunteer engagement nationwide.

Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan.

The programme offered a series of knowledge-sharing sessions, such as " Jelajah Rohani di Masjid Inspirasi " by ITC and JAKIM, which highlighted collaboration in Islamic tourism and religious guidance.

Additionally, a best-practice case study on Masjid Sultan Iskandar Bandar Dato Onn, Johor Bahru, was presented, known for its exemplary tourism mosque management.

Other sessions included " Kemas dan Karisma " on hospitality etiquette by image consultant and TV host Mr Amin Idris, and " Suara Masjid, Wajah Islam " on communication skills by Associate Professor Dr Khairunneezam Mohd Noor from the Islamic Science University of Malaysia( USIM).

Participants also joined a technical visit to notable Muslim-friendly tourism sites, including Masjid Beijing Rantau Panjang, celebrated for its Chinese-style architecture, and Desa Gemalai Baruh Padi Alami, a traditional agro-tourism village in Kampung Lubok Jambu. These visits aimed to integrate mosque tourism within the broader Muslim-friendly tourism ecosystem.

The 2025 MTRT, jointly organised by ITC, MOTAC, and JAKIM, is a rebranded version of the National Imam Roundtable – Mosque Tourism Edition, previously held in Putrajaya( 2014), Kuala Terengganu( 2017), and Penang( 2019).

The event underscores the government ' s commitment to promoting mosque tourism in a responsible, inclusive, and sustainable way, benefiting the nation, the tourism industry, and local communities.- RnR

Osman emphasised that mosque tourism should be open to all, conducted within Islamic ethics and etiquette, and that mosques should be positioned as ambassadors of Islam. He explained how JAKIM, in collaboration with the State Islamic Religious Departments( JAINs), provides official guidelines covering core visitor facilities, establishment of Mosque Tourism Secretariats( SPPM), visitor regulations, and volunteer guide protocols. These frameworks aim to ensure mosque tourism is structured, respectful, and consistent nationwide.

Community Links and Visitor-Friendly Features— Mohd Syafiee Abd Rahman, Mosque Tourist Guide, Masjid Sultan Iskandar, Bandar Dato ' Onn, Johor Bahru

Syafie stressed the importance of strong ties between mosques, local communities, and stakeholders to sustain mosque functions and programmes. Using Masjid Bandar Dato ' Onn as an example, he noted features such as an Islamic gallery, library, spacious activity areas, and visitor facilities, which have earned it MyTQA Gold status with aspirations for platinum. He also described cross-cultural events, such as Ramadan programmes for non-Muslims featuring art, calligraphy, and shared meals, as well as structured guidance for new converts, ensuring they are fully integrated into the spiritual and social fabric of the mosque community.

Session 1