BAGAN DATUK, Aug 15 (Bernama) -- Mosques should be part of the country's tourism ecosystem while continuing to serve as places of worship, centres of da'wah (preaching) and institutions that bring communities closer to Islam, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said mosques had a significant role to play in the tourism industry by becoming part of tourists' journey to discover the history, culture and Islamic civilisation in Malaysia.
"When they come, let them take home not only pictures of the beauty of our mosques, but also experiences of the hospitality of our people and the Islamic values they encounter in Malaysia. That is why initiatives such as the National Mosque Open Day have significant value," he said.
He said this when officiating the National Mosque Open Day (NMOD) 2026 here today.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Bagan Datuk Member of Parliament, said the time had come for more mosques nationwide to organise programmes such as NMOD as they provided opportunities for people from various backgrounds, ages and religions to engage with mosque institutions in a harmonious environment.
He said this would foster mutual understanding, respect and appreciation for mosques as part of the country's heritage and identity.
He said opening mosque doors to outsiders also provided an opportunity for them to learn more about Islam, bridge perception gaps and build understanding.
"And through the way we welcome, serve and interact with them, we can show the true face of Islam, which is rooted in compassion, wisdom and benevolence," he said.
Meanwhile, he expressed his appreciation after Masjid Tuminah Hamidi, which was completed in 2023 as a waqf for his parents, was listed as the country's 98th Tourism Mosque by the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
Meanwhile, ITC Director-General Mohammad Faisal Abu Suaib Khan said Masjid Tuminah Hamidi in Bagan Datuk was selected as a Tourism Mosque due to its unique architectural design and its gallery, which serves as a centre for Islamic knowledge.
"Malaysia has 6,851 mosques, and we hope the number of Tourism Mosques will increase, with more mosques that have their own unique features and history being promoted as Islamic tourism products," he said.
He said ITC was working with the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and state Islamic religious departments to develop guidelines and coordinate the participation of mosques.
"To support this ecosystem, ITC initiatives such as Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR) and Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guides (MFTG) further strengthen the Muslim-friendly approach in line with the concept of 'Muslim-Friendly, not Muslim-Only'," he said.
Organised by ITC, NMOD 2026 was held from Aug 13 to 15 (today) at Masjid Tuminah Hamidi and Dataran Bagan Datuk, featuring various programmes combining spiritual, community, cultural, recreational and family-oriented activities.
-- BERNAMA