GHAS

@ Halal | September-October. 2025

• Malaysia, through the Islamic Tourism Centre( ITC), continues to showcase its position as the world’ s top Muslim-friendly destination by highlighting services, facilities, and attractions that cater to Muslim travellers.

• The MFAR recognition programme plays a crucial role in strengthening Malaysia’ s halal tourism ecosystem by inclusively recognising both Muslim and non-Muslim industry players who are committed to serving Muslim travellers.

• ITC is expanding its global presence through participations in international platforms such as GHaS and MIHAS, fostering collaborations and shaping the future of halal and Islamic tourism worldwide.

Speaking to @ Halal, ITC Manager of Industry Development Fitra Mohd Ali, shared how the organisation is advancing Malaysia’ s role at the Global Halal Summit( GHaS) and beyond.

STRENGTHENING RECOGNITION

Malaysia has been consistently ranked as the world’ s top Muslim-friendly destination. ITC takes pride in ensuring that this recognition is more than just a title. It is a lived experience for Muslim travellers.

“ In Malaysia, we have the facilities, services, and destinations that make travel

As the demand for Muslimfriendly travel grows, Malaysia must continue to lead through innovation, partnerships, and knowledge sharing seamless for Muslims. This is what we want to showcase at GHaS,” said Fitra.

During the summit, ITC, in collaboration with the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia( JAKIM), will host participants of the Halal Certification Body Convention( HCBC) at key Muslim-friendly attractions, including the Kuala Lumpur Tower, Masjid Wilayah, and museums in the capital city. By providing direct exposure to these destinations, ITC reinforces Malaysia’ s commitment to world-class Muslim-friendly services.

A cornerstone of ITC’ s contribution to GHaS is its Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition( MFAR) programme. Complementing JAKIM’ s halal certification, MFAR recognises tourism industry players such as hotels, travel agencies, and attractions that cater to Muslim travellers with appropriate services and facilities.

“ What makes MFAR special is its inclusivity. It is not limited to Muslimowned businesses. Non-Muslim operators who are committed to serving Muslim travellers can also apply. This openness encourages more stakeholders to embrace Muslim-friendly practices,” explained Fitra.

This recognition programme strengthens Malaysia’ s tourism ecosystem while creating more confidence among international travellers who value halal and Shariah-compliant services.

GLOBAL COLLABORATION

Engagement and collaboration are at the core of ITC’ s strategy. At GHaS, ITC will be present at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase( MIHAS), one of the world’ s most significant halal trade events. The centre will host its own pavilion alongside partners from the tourism sector.

“ These platforms allow us to connect with international stakeholders, open opportunities for knowledge exchange, and showcase Malaysia’ s expertise,” said Fitra.

Beyond MIHAS, ITC is also participating in the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries( SMIIC) Technical Committee( TC) Week during GHaS, where discussions on harmonising halal standards across the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation( OIC) countries will take place. ITC’ s involvement highlights the importance of aligning tourism practices with global halal benchmarks.

Looking ahead, ITC envisions an even more international role in the halal tourism sector. Fitra hinted at upcoming collaborations with global partners to expand the reach of the MFAR recognition programmes and strengthen Malaysia’ s influence in shaping Muslim-friendly travel standards.

“ Halal tourism is no longer a niche. It is a global movement. As the demand for Muslim-friendly travel grows, Malaysia must continue to lead through innovation, partnerships, and knowledge sharing,” stressed Fitra.

With groundbreaking initiatives set to be announced at MIHAS, ITC is poised to strengthen Malaysia’ s reputation as the hub for halal and Islamic tourism.

INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES

Fitra concluded with a message to both local and international industry stakeholders.

“ For our local players, take this opportunity to network with international delegates during the GHaS. This is your chance to expand into the halal and Islamic tourism market. For our international partners, welcome to Malaysia. Experience first-hand our Muslim-friendly services and hospitality.”

As halal and Islamic tourism continues to thrive, ITC’ s leadership ensures that Malaysia remains at the forefront of this dynamic and growing industry. With strategic programmes like MFAR, collaborations through GHaS, and active participation in global platforms, Malaysia is not only promoting tourism. It is shaping the future of the global halal economy.-

Fitra Mohd Ali