PM tasks Tiong with improving Muslim-friendly tourism

PARLIAMENT | Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing to look into more Muslim-friendly tourism approaches to sustain Malaysia’s standing as a global halal tourism destination.

During the Prime Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today, Anwar welcomed Mas Ermieyati Samsudin’s (PN-Masjid Tanah) suggestion to introduce more programmes catering to Muslim-friendly initiatives.

“Regarding a specific agency to encourage halal tourism, it is definitely in line with our decision to make Malaysia into a Muslim-friendly tourism hub,” he said.

The Tambun MP informed the house that the government recently discussed Malaysia’s role as a Muslim economic hub during a meeting at Bank Negara, and observed its progress within the global Islamic finance industry.

“There have been suggestions from six other countries which urged Malaysia to lead programmes in Islamic finance and economy, including Islamic tourism.

“So I agree that this matter should be looked into, and I will suggest to the tourism minister to prioritise more Muslim-friendly tourism programmes,” he said.

Anwar added that similar programmes have been adopted by other Muslim-majority countries such as Turkey and Qatar, where specific tourism initiatives were catered to include more family-friendly accommodation, activities, and food preferences.

ITC vacancy

Mas Ermieyati also questioned whether the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) would be absorbed under the Tourism Ministry as part of the government’s agency rationalisation.

The Bersatu lawmaker further asked why the role of the ITC director had not been filled for several months, despite the agency playing an important role in maintaining Malaysia as a global Muslim tourism hub.

In response, Anwar stressed that the ITC would remain independent.

“Regarding the role of the ITC director, I will ensure a decision will be made within the next one or two days. But I believe that it will not be abolished or absorbed into the Tourism Ministry, because the leader will also be elected soon,” he said.

Last year, Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan had suggested the idea of turning Langkawi into a niche holiday destination for Muslims, which drew criticism from various parties.

Tiong apologised on behalf of his deputy and stressed that Malaysia is a multiracial country and no tourism site should cater exclusively to the needs of a single religion.

Kedah Menteri Besar Sanusi Nor also responded by emphasising that Langkawi would remain open as a tourist destination for all, not just Muslims.

In the Dewan Rakyat, Mas Emiryati also questioned Tiong’s absence from the sitting today.

To this, Anwar quipped, “Perhaps he might be sick or down with a fever.”

Reporting by Dania Kamal Aryf, Hariz Mohd, Qistina Nadia Dzulqarnain, Haspaizi Zain

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