LABUAN — Labuan has all the essential ingredients to emerge as a leading Muslim-friendly tourism destination, but greater efforts are needed to package its tourism products with recognised Muslim-friendly standards, according to the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC).
ITC director-general Mohammad Faisal Abu Suaib Khan said the federal territory already boasts a diverse range of attractions, including the historic Surrender Point, the scenic Layang-Layangan Beach and world-class shipwreck diving sites, which could appeal to Muslim travellers if complemented by recognised Muslim-friendly tourism services.
“What is needed now is the right formula to repackage these tourism products with Muslim-friendly recognition. When travellers know that their basic needs, such as halal food and prayer facilities, are well catered for, they will have greater confidence in choosing Labuan as a destination,” he said.
He said this in his welcoming address at the Bah, Singgah Dulu: Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) in the Federal Territory of Labuan programme here on Wednesday.
Mohammad Faisal said ITC’s Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR) and Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guide (MFTG) programmes provide industry benchmarks for tourism businesses and premises seeking to offer recognised Muslim-friendly services in Malaysia.
He likened the MFAR certification to the halal certification issued by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), saying while JAKIM certifies halal food and pharmaceutical products, MFAR serves as the benchmark for Muslim-friendly tourism products and services.
Mohammad Faisal said the global Muslim travel market is projected to contribute US$424 billion by 2029, while the global Muslim population has reached 2.2 billion, creating significant demand for Muslim-friendly tourism services.
At the national level, he said Malaysia is expected to welcome about 15 million Muslim visitors by 2030 and has retained its position as the world’s leading Muslim-friendly destination for the 11th consecutive year in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2026.
He also highlighted the role of mosques as tourism attractions through ITC’s Mosque Open Day programme, which introduces visitors of all backgrounds to Malaysia’s Islamic heritage and culture.
In Labuan, he said the Masjid Jamek An-Nur and other mosques with unique historical and architectural significance could be promoted as part of the island’s Muslim-friendly tourism offerings.
Mohammad Faisal noted that Labuan currently has one recognised MFTG-certified tourist guide, describing it as a positive start towards positioning the island as a preferred Muslim-friendly destination for both domestic and international visitors.
He expressed hope that more hotels in Labuan would obtain MFAR recognition and more tourist guides would become MFTG-certified when ITC returns to the island in the future.
Mohammad Faisal also invited local tourism industry players to participate in the 5th World Islamic Tourism Conference (WITC) later this year and the online Islamic Tourism Month 2026 campaign in September to showcase Labuan’s Muslim-friendly tourism products to the international market in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026.
He stressed that Muslim-friendly tourism is about providing comfort and convenience for guests while generating economic, cultural and social benefits for destination communities.
“At ITC, we always welcome collaboration with local industry players regardless of background. Our motto is ‘Muslim-friendly, not Muslim only’ because this sector is open to everyone, including authorities, industry players and local communities,” he said.
