China Muslim Cultural Exchange Familiarisation Trip participants with representatives from ITC and MICA savouring “King of Fruits”, Durians at DKing, Petaling Jaya
PETALING JAYA, SELANGOR, 06 FEBRUARY 2025: Following the adage that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, Malaysia is serving up some of its best gastronomical experiences to entice the appetites of some 77 China Muslim representatives from 23 provinces visiting Malaysia on a cultural exchange programme from 5 to 11 February 2025.
The group arrived at DKing SS2 Durian Wonderland Petaling Jaya to get a taste of Malaysia’s King of Fruits, the beloved durian, after a rousing welcome by way of a lion dance performance to showcase Malaysia’s Chinese New Year celebration.
It is all part of Islamic Tourism Centre’s (ITC) strategy in collaboration with local tourism industry players, namely the Malaysian Inbound Chinese Association (MICA), to support Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) and tap into the China tourist market by spotlighting Malaysia’s inclusive and diverse culture, as well as educational and investment opportunities.
Earlier the group had explored Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex and KL Tower; as well as Putrajaya’s Lake Cruise and the world’s second largest Quran printing factory, the Nasyrul Quran.
The group will continue their travels to other parts of Selangor, Melaka, and Negeri Sembilan where a host of activities have been lined up for them to enjoy Malaysia’s exciting range of touristic offerings, including Farm in the City, Muzium Budaya Cheng Ho, A Famosa Safari Wonderland, HL Dragon Fruit Eco Farm, and Mitsui Sepang Outlet. Tours of key mosques for their beautiful design and architecture feature prominently in the programme with visits to the new Masjid Jamek Cina Muslim Klang, Masjid Putra in Putrajaya, Melaka Straits Mosque, and Masjid Sri Sendayan in Negeri Sembilan. Along the way, the China Muslim representatives will get to sample Halal gastronomical experiences such as a kampung-style luncheon spread in Putrajaya, halal Chinese Muslim dinner in Kuala Lumpur, and local delights in Melaka.
To create awareness about Malaysia’s affordable primary, secondary and tertiary educational options, tours are conducted for participants at International Islamic University Malaysia, University Malaya, Epsom College, Ambitious Academy, and Sunway University.
In addition, they will be exposed to investment opportunities via the Malaysia My Second Home Programme with visits to IJM Properties and Millennia Village Wellness Centre in Negeri Sembilan.
This strategic public-private partnership between ITC and MICA is expected to drive interest and demand for Malaysia as a safe and friendly, culturally diverse, and inclusive holiday and long-term stay destination in the run-up to the highly-anticipated VM 2026 and beyond.
About Islamic Tourism Centre
Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) is an entity under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia, tasked to develop the Islamic Tourism segment for Malaysia. It advocates for Muslim-friendly tourism (MFT) by offering research and market intelligence, training, industry development consultation, Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) services standards and recognition, and information exchange.
Malaysia was named the top country in the region in the MFTH sector by the State of the Global Islamic Economy (SGIE) Report 2022. The country also retained the top-ranked destination in the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2024, a position it has defended since the launch of the Index in 2015. Malaysia was also recognised as the Top Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year (OIC) and the Top Muslim Women-Friendly Destination of the Year in Halal in Travel Awards 2023.
In addition, ITC was named the recipient of the Strategic Business Alliance Award at The BrandLaureate World Halal Best Brand E-Branding Awards 2021. ITC’s signature programme, the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR), was awarded the prestigious BrandLaureate Brand of the Year Award 2024 in the category of Excellence in Islamic Tourism and Muslim-Friendly Hospitality Solutions. It is a recognition of ITC’s efforts and endeavours in formulating new strategies in developing and growing the Islamic tourism segment in Malaysia.
These recognitions are an added motivation for ITC to continue to strengthen its efforts in being a prime mover and leading institution to ensure Malaysia is at the forefront of MFTH.
For further details, kindly email comms@itc.gov.my or the following individuals:
Anis Ramli, Corporate Communications Division, ITC at 012 321 913
Nadhirah Aripin, Corporate Communications Division, ITC at 019 356 053
Ainaa Izzati, Corporate Communications Division, ITC at 010 266 253
Khairul Iman, Corporate Communications Division, ITC at 013 289 2609
