BIG PLANS AHEAD: ITC talks Muslim-friendly tourism at “Randau Santai”

ALL SMILES… Group photo at Islamic Tourism Centre’s Randau Santai: Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) di Sarawak event at Hotel Grand Margherita earlier today.

KUCHING, 8 April 2026 - The Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) held a warm and engaging gathering here earlier today, bringing together hotel operators, travel agencies, tour guides, and community stakeholders to discuss the future of Muslim-friendly tourism in Sarawak, all in a rather relaxed setting complete with food and drinks. The event, Randau Santai: Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) di Sarawak, was held at Hotel Grand Margherita, itself a holder of ITC’s Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Recognition (MFAR).

ITC Director General, Mohammad Faisal Abu Suaib Khan opened the morning session with an encouraging look at the numbers driving Malaysia's Islamic tourism ambition.

“Malaysia is targeting 15.2 million Muslim visitors by 2030. In fact, last year alone, we received 9.7 million international Muslim visitors. This is a significant number, and it shows that the world truly believes in us,” he said.

Faisal explained that this confidence came from the MFTH concept, which is a deliberate, structured approach by ITC to meet the real needs of Muslim travellers wherever they go here in Malaysia.

ITC Director General, Mohammad Faisal Abu Suaib Khan speaking at the Randau Santai event.

“MFTH is an approach that prioritises the needs of Muslim travellers — halal food, prayer facilities, and a comfortable environment. Overall, this effort positions Malaysia as a more inclusive destination by providing the best experience and hospitality to all travellers, regardless of their background,” Faisal shared.

Sarawak was highlighted as a standout state for its rich natural and cultural offering. The Director General pointed out Bario, Pulau Satang, and Sarawak’s multiracial community as key strengths, while also noting the region’s growing profile in astrotourism, with Kuching, Miri, and Bintulu being developed as astronomy-based travel destinations.

On recognition, Sarawak has 33 Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guides (MFTG), one of the highest tallies in Malaysia, and five MFAR-certified hotels: Raia Hotel & Convention Centre Kuching and Hotel Seri Malaysia Lawas (both MFAR Gold), as well as Pullman Miri Waterfront, Riverside Majestic Hotel Puteri Wing, and Grand Margherita Hotel (all MFAR Silver). Demak Travel Sdn Bhd is the sole MFAR-certified travel agency in the State. Perhaps the boldest vision was ITC’s ambition to transform Sarawak into a regional Umrah hub.

“ITC’s plan is to develop Malaysia as an Umrah Hub destination. In this regard, we see a great opportunity for Sarawak to strengthen its MFTH ecosystem and become the Umrah gateway for pilgrims travelling from China, Indonesia, and the Philippines,” Faisal said.

During his speech, Faisal also previewed ITC’s major programmes for 2026 under the Visit Malaysia Year banner, including the Mosque Open Day in May, the World Islamic Tourism Conference (WITC) and Islamic Tourism Month in September, and the Halal Street Food Festival in October.

“Muslim-friendly tourism is a segment of the industry that creates meaningful experiences, building confidence, comfort, and lasting memories for travellers. Malaysia has a strong foundation, while Sarawak shows tremendous potential to continue strengthening this ecosystem. I hope that ITC can work with all parties to open more economic opportunities, strengthen the industry, and elevate Sarawak as the destination of choice for Muslim tourists at the international level,” he concluded.

Randau Santai: Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) di Sarawak wrapped up with a relaxed networking session over a spread of Sarawak delicacies, perfectly in the spirit of “randau Santai”, a Sarawakian phrase for casual, heartfelt conversation among friends.

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