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September-October . 2024
Muslim-Friendly Perak
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From underrated to celebrated
MBI is determined to boost tourism in Ipoh and establish the city as a premier Muslim-friendly tourism hub
IPOH is set to become Malaysia ’ s top Muslim-friendly destination following the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan . Compared to other cities , Ipoh is still in the early stages of developing its tourism industry . Currently , the federal government of Malaysia and the state government , alongside local authorities ( PBT ), are working together with government and private agencies to revitalise tourism in the city .
According to the Ipoh City Council ( MBI ) Mayor Dato Rumaizi Baharin : “ The measures we have undertaken align with the Perak Sejahtera 2030 plan . The city also has a local plan , Ipoh Bestari Sejahtera Strategic Plan .”
This approach has helped Ipoh gain recognition . In fact , CNN Travel named Ipoh as the ‘ Most Underrated Place ,’ while The New York Times featured the city in its article titled , ‘ Why Ipoh , Malaysia , Should be on Your Travel Radar .’
In 2022 , Ipoh welcomed 1.5 million visitors , which ascended to 1.7 million in 2023 . This increased traffic at the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport ( SASA ), surpassing its annual capacity of 500,000 . Approximately 515,000 people arrived in Ipoh through the airport that year , with 290,000 of the visitors being foreigners .
MBI believes this momentum can be maintained by emphasising Muslim-friendly tourism . In doing so , Ipoh is implementing the 3H concept ( Hipster , Heritage , and Health ).
• Hipster : This section is mainly focused on gastronomy , specifically halal food . The idea is to offer culturally diverse foods , such as Chinese Muslim halal cuisine . It also involves promoting Islamic art and culture , which are often overlooked .
• Heritage : The primary objective is to preserve and promote historic buildings , prehistoric sites , and ancient cave paintings from early civilisations .
• Health : This area emphasises having advanced hospital facilities to provide services to international patients , which is a key component of medical tourism .
4PS
On what makes Ipoh an ideal Muslimfriendly destination , Rumaizi highlighted four key factors , referred to as the 4Ps :
• Product : Ipoh incorporates the 3H concept into its tourism products to offer visitors diverse experiences . One standout product is Al-Baraqah Educational Centre in Manjoi , Ipoh , which provides edu-tourism experiences focused on Islamic education . MBI is also considering plans to offer short-term courses on Hajj and Umrah preparation .
• Price : Ipoh provides tourism experiences that offer good value for money . The city maintains affordable prices for services and attractions while ensuring the quality of the overall trip is not compromised .
• Promotion : MBI is considering the following to promote Ipoh as a Muslimfriendly destination : displaying halal logos at eateries , providing prayer rooms at night markets , ensuring hotels are Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition ( MFAR ) - certified , and featuring Jawi script on shop signs in Manjoi .
• Place : Ipoh ’ s strategic location between Kuala Lumpur and Penang makes it easily accessible for both domestic and international visitors .
REGIONAL COLLABORATIONS
“ We have strategic alliances within the key cities in the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle ( IMT-GT ) region ,” said Rumaizi .
On 21 November 2023 , MBI signed a memorandum of understanding ( MoU ) with the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ), alongside several other cities within and outside Perak . These cities include Kuala Kangsar , Kampar , and Batu Gajah in Perak ; Alor Setar , Kedah ; Kangar , Perlis ; Hat Yai and Pattani in Thailand ; and Aceh and Medan in Indonesia .
“ MBI ’ s friendship with Medan , Indonesia , goes back to 28 August 2009 . To attract more tourists from
A Muslim-friendly oasis
TASIK Cermin , also known as Mirror Lake , has been designated as a geopark by the Perak government . This designation accentuates the site ’ s geological significance , which serves the state ’ s broader initiative to boost tourism in Ipoh .
The site features two lakes , Tasik Cermin 1 and Tasik Cermin 2 , accessible via a 90-meter tunnel and a 130-meter water tunnel , respectively . At Tasik Cermin , visitors can enjoy stunning natural scenery , boat rides , and familyfriendly activities all in one visit .
The amenities and services available are Muslim-friendly , aligning well with the promotion of Ipoh as a Muslim-friendly tourist destination . Muslim-friendly dining options are available at Tasik Cermin ’ s cafe and food kiosk , Kafe Lake View and STG Express .
The site also has designated prayer rooms equipped with prayer mats and other essential items . Information about its prayer facilities is included on Tasik Cermin ’ s general map .
“ Muslim visitors can enjoy their time in Tasik Cermin without compromising their religious practices ,” commented Tasik Cermin Ipoh Sdn Bhd Public Relations ( PR ) and Marketing Executive Hazel Chai .
According to Chai : “ Visitors have praised the serene and beautiful environment as well as the availability of
Ipoh City Council .
Dato Rumaizi Baharin
Scan Me
The activity at Tasik Cermin .
Muslim-friendly amenities . They also appreciate the respectful and familyfriendly atmosphere .”
In fact , Tasik Cermin has recently added a petting zoo to make the site more family-friendly . There are also several upcoming developments aimed at enhancing its appeal as a Muslimfriendly destination .
“ Rock climbing will be available soon for those seeking more adventure . There are also proposals for camping , glamping , and eventually , an adventure park , although these will take some time ,” Chai noted .
Tasik Cermin is continuously working to enhance its appeal as both a tourist attraction and a Muslim-friendly
China , we have close ties with Nanning , China ,” added Rumaizi .
“ We ’ ve also collaborated with other agencies like Muhammad Al-Fateh Mosque for the Ummatic Festival . Religious talks are also being hosted in mosques and at the city council . Just recently , we had the seventh World Conference on Islamic Thought and Civilization ( WCIT 2024 ) at Casuarina Convention Centre , Ipoh .”
CONNECTIVITY
“ We are currently focusing on improving air connectivity to Ipoh ,” revealed Rumaizi .
Efforts are underway to increase flights between Ipoh and Singapore . At the moment , AirAsia and Scoot operate nearly eight flights a day from Ipoh to Singapore .
Scoot offers three to five flights daily from Changi Airport , Singapore , to Ipoh , while Air Asia provides one to two flights from Johor Bahru to Ipoh . To accommodate more flights , the federal government plans to expand and redevelop SASA .
MBI will host a town hall session with tourism operators and agencies in the near future . A Road to Visit Malaysia 2026 Workshop will also be held .
Rumaizi stressed that these initiatives are not just part of a temporary campaign but are part of a long-term strategy .
destination .
“ The Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) has positively impacted Tasik Cermin by promoting Scan Me it as a Muslim-friendly destination . ITC ’ s efforts in setting standards for halal tourism and providing guidelines have helped Tasik Cermin cater to Muslim travellers better .
“ I believe we can envision several initiatives between Tasik Cermin and ITC . For example , joint marketing campaigns , training programmes , certification standards , and collaborative research and feedback ,” said Chai . – RnR