MTRT 2025 Platform To Foster Understanding, Strengthen Unity

KOTA BHARU, July 15 (Bernama) -- The Mosque Tourism Roundtable (MTRT) 2025 serves not only as a discussion platform but also as a medium to raise awareness among mosque management of the vast potential of mosques as tourism products rooted in spirituality, history and community.

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said the sharing and engagement session demonstrated mosques’ readiness to enhance their facilities, services and approach in welcoming visitors from across the country, regardless of religion or race.

“Mosque tourism should be viewed as a bridge that connects visitors to Islamic values, heritage and moderation, while also fostering dialogue between cultures and religions.

“With the commitment of local authorities and the concerted efforts of all parties, I am confident that Malaysia can emerge as a global leader in the tourism sector,” he told Bernama.

Khairul Firdaus said that in the context of Malaysia’s position as a global leader in Islamic tourism, the ministry’s long-term vision was to make mosques among the key tourism products that showcased the wealth of Islamic heritage, architecture and universal values.

“We have mosques with impressive architecture and a wealth of historical significance, ranging from centuries-old structures to modern designs that reflect the country’s progress.

“However, this physical beauty must go hand in hand with effective presentation so that tourists can appreciate the cultural, spiritual and social values embodied by the mosque,” he said.

Khairul Firdaus said the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), through the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), was committed to expanding mosque involvement in the tourism sector, including those in rural areas and states with their own tourism potential.

“We also encourage closer collaboration between mosques and industry players, including travel agencies, hotels and local authorities.

“This is where MOTAC and its agencies, particularly ITC, can help connect various stakeholders, enabling mosques to take on a more prominent role in improving the tourism experience and boosting the local economy,” he said.

MTRT 2025, which marked the fourth edition since its inception in 2016, was held in Kota Bharu over three days starting July 13.

Jointly organised by ITC and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), the event brought together over 90 mosque managers and volunteers from across the country to reinforce the role of mosques as inclusive spiritual tourism landmarks.

Meanwhile, Grand Imam of the National Mosque, Ehsan Mohd Hosni, said the conference helped mosque management improve services for visitors and strengthen the dissemination of Islamic teachings within the context of comprehensive dakwah.

“In terms of technology adoption and in line with the government's emphasis on digitalisation, we can see that many mosques have begun using social media to promote their offerings and unique features to attract more visitors,” he said.

The Grand Imam of the Seri Sendayan Mosque in Negeri Sembilan, Mohd Nazri Abu Zarim, described the conference as timely, as it provided a platform to gain insights into attracting both domestic and international tourists in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year (TMM) 2026.

“Our mosque has long practised the concept of openness, and this conference provides the space and opportunity for us to further enhance various aspects from time to time to ensure the comfort of our visitors,” he said.

--BERNAMA