Taiwan and Malaysia Deepen Cooperation to Promote Muslim-Friendly Travel and Accommodation Certification

(Central News Agency, Seremban, Malaysia, 9th) The halal industry chain is not just about 'no pork, no lard'; it also encompasses accommodation, dining, and travel environments that are friendly and compliant with Islamic norms. The Islamic Tourism Centre of Malaysia today signed a memorandum of cooperation with Taiwanese businesses to promote 'Muslim-Friendly Travel and Accommodation Certification,' introducing Malaysia's official certification mechanism to Taiwan.

The cooperation will help Taiwan adopt Malaysia's 'Muslim-Friendly Travel and Accommodation Recognition (MFAR)' program, enhancing Taiwan's capacity to serve the growing Muslim travel market through training, standard setting, and industry capacity building.

Today's signing ceremony took place during the 'NICHE International Halal and Sustainable Eco Forum' in Negeri Sembilan. The Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), under Malaysia's Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), will provide professional training, build auditing capabilities, and offer technical support to ensure Taiwanese accommodation providers can comply with Islamic norms.

Negeri Sembilan's Acting Chief Minister, Aminuddin Harun, said in his speech that he is pleased to see the cooperation between Taiwan and Malaysia and the signing of several cooperation agreements. He noted that these collaborations are significant, helping to deepen international exchanges and cooperation networks while further promoting the development of the halal industry and Muslim-friendly tourism.

Nicholas Hsiu, a THCD operator from Sabah, Malaysia, is a key driver behind bringing the 'Muslim-Friendly Travel and Accommodation Certification' to Taiwan. He stated that by integrating industry, government, and academic resources, he aims to promote cooperation and exchange between Taiwan and Malaysia in the halal industry and Muslim-friendly tourism sectors, helping to unlock Muslim business opportunities.

Hsiu pointed out that Taiwan has been actively pursuing the Muslim traveler market in recent years. While the government promotes Muslim-friendly environment policies and some private institutions offer related certification services, the standards adopted by different entities vary, lacking a unified, internationally credible norm widely recognized by Muslim countries.

He noted that Malaysia has long been regarded as a global benchmark for the halal industry and Muslim-friendly tourism. Therefore, he hopes to introduce this certification system to Taiwan to establish service standards that meet international market demands. This certification does not require hotels or restaurants to completely ban the sale of alcohol or pork. Instead, it aims to enhance the convenience and trust of Muslim travelers through software and hardware improvements, without changing local lifestyles and cultures.

For example, hotels with Muslim-friendly environment certification will indicate the direction of Mecca for prayer in guest rooms, provide information on nearby mosques, halal restaurants, and Muslim-friendly attractions, and some venues will install facilities for Muslim ablution (wudu) to help travelers fulfill their religious needs.

Chou Shih-pi, Director of the Taiwan Tourism Administration's Office in Kuala Lumpur, who was invited to the event, noted that Taiwan currently has over 350 halal-certified restaurants and Muslim-friendly accommodations. Prayer facilities are available at major airports, train stations, shopping malls, and popular tourist attractions.

Regarding the 'Muslim-Friendly Travel and Accommodation Certification,' he emphasized that Muslim travelers value not only halal food and prayer spaces but also a sense of security, convenience, a family-friendly environment, and genuine respect for their culture and faith during their travels.

Malaysia has long been considered one of the world's leading Muslim-friendly tourism destinations. Through the Islamic Tourism Centre, it has established a comprehensive institutional framework, standards, and industry training mechanisms, forming a crucial foundation for promoting Muslim-friendly tourism in Malaysia. (Editor: Chen Huiping) 1150609