The Ipoh City Council has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for Muslim-friendly tourism, with the aim of attracting at least 150,000 Muslim tourists next year. Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad stated that the MOU is a significant step to further enhance tourism in Perak, particularly in Ipoh, in the coming year.
According to the 2022 Domestic Tourist Survey conducted by the Malaysian Statistics Department, Perak was among the top five states with the highest number of local tourists totaling up to 14.6 million. In light of this, the state is seeking to strengthen its tourism sector by welcoming ideas and input from various parties, particularly those involved in the tourism industry.
The MOU was signed at a ceremony between the city council, as well as other local authorities in Perak such as Kuala Kangsar, Batu Gajah, and Kampar, along with the Kangar Municipal Council in Perlis and the Alor Setar City Council from Kedah. The MOU also includes the Islamic Tourism Centre, Centre for Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand (CIMT) Growth Triangle Subregional Cooperation, Malaysia’s national Unesco commission director, the Hatyai Deputy Mayor from Thailand, and the Aceh II Commission Head from Indonesia.
Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Khairul Firdaus Akhbar Khan stated on Aug 18 that 3.2 million international Muslim tourists are expected to visit Malaysia in the current year, out of 15 million total tourists, with a forecast receipt spending of RM49.2bil.
During a press conference, Sandrea revealed that the state is working to improve the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in order to attract more tourists. She mentioned that the airport currently only has one international route, to Singapore, but efforts are being made to upgrade facilities and add more flights from neighboring countries.
In view of the Visit Perak Year (TMP) 2024 and to boost tourism, state Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development Committee chairman Loh Sze Yee announced on Jun 6 that the government is planning to have more direct international flights to the state. Additionally, Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated on Oct 29 that he had requested Singapore’s low-cost airline Scoot to add more flights between the republic and Ipoh.
Meanwhile, Ipoh Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin emphasized that the MOU will focus on promoting the city’s products, particularly gastronomy and culture. He also highlighted that making Ipoh a Muslim-friendly tourist destination does not mean it is exclusively for Muslim tourists, as the city is aiming to attract visitors from Indonesia and Thailand as well.
