(From left) Ishak, Fazil Khan, Wong, Anis Rozalina and Ma during the press conference in Kuala Lumpur. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
MALAYSIA aims to establish itself as a global leader in the travel sector catering to Muslim needs through the inaugural Muslim-Friendly Travel Fair (MFTF) this weekend.
The event at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) will see 114 booths set up by 54 participating organisations.
MFTF organising chairman Dr Fazil Khan Abdul Kadir said the fair would feature exclusive promotions on domestic and international travel packages, family-friendly activities and entertainment as well as interactive forums and cultural showcases.
“Visitors will find halal food options, prayer facilities and travel packages including authorised umrah and haj tours, Islamic heritage experiences and wellness retreats aligned with Islamic values.
“There will also be 10 lucky draw rounds each day.
“Local artiste Raihan Nasheed will also be performing,” he said during MFTF’s pre-event press conference at Malaysian Tourism Centre in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Nigel Wong said the fair was a strategic response towards the evolving needs of Muslim travellers as well as the Muslim tourism market which was seeing surging global demand.
“The Muslim travel market is projected to exceed US$300bil (RM1.267 trillion) by 2030.
“Through MFTF, we aim to broaden travel opportunities for all Muslim travellers regardless of their demographics and promote Malaysia as a preferred destination for Muslim-friendly tourism.
“We hope for the fair to strengthen tourism’s contribution to Malaysia’s economy as well as encourage innovation among industry players in terms of travel design, hospitality and destination management.”
He said although he was not a Muslim, he had always found the Islamic heritage in Malaysia fascinating.
“There are definitely many untold stories, especially on how Islamic heritage intertwines with other aspects of Malaysian culture.
“This is part of the reasons why we want to hold MFTF.”
Wong added that MFTF would also feature many domestic tourism products that could help promote lesser-known local attractions and contribute to the momentum of Visit Malaysia 2026.
Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) corporate communications senior manager Anis Rozalina Ramli said what made Islamic tourism unique was that it was inclusive and open to all despite being compliant with Islamic principles.
“Non-Muslim travellers can also enjoy halal cuisine and appreciate modest fashion as well as respectful hospitality and gender-sensitive services.
“They can also cherish Muslim festivities and the beauty of mosques.”
Anis Rozalina said MFTF would bring together stakeholders in the tourism industry under one roof with a specific focus on Muslim-friendly products and destinations.
Also present were RHB Islamic business development head Ishak Othman and Astro Ocean Cruise sales director Christopher Ma.
MFTF is organised by MATTA, with ITC as strategic partner, RHB Islamic Bank as exclusive platinum sponsor and Hwajing Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd (operator of Astro Ocean Cruise) as official cruise liner.
The fair, open to the public, will be held at Hall 4, WTCKL, from 10am to 9pm.
