April 27, 2026
World
World
WASHINGTON, April 27 — A man accused of targeting US administration officials at a Washington event has been arrested after allegedly opening fire, injuring a Secret Service agent.
KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 — Malaysia has once again secured its position as the world’s top Muslim-friendly travel destination, earning the title of ‘Top Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year’ in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2025. This marks the 10th consecutive year Malaysia has held the top spot since the index was first introduced.
The prestigious award was presented at the 4th Halal in Travel Awards in Singapore, where Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan accepted it on Malaysia’s behalf.
In his speech, Khairul Firdaus called the recognition a proud achievement for the country, and a testament to the dedication of tourism industry players, government bodies, and local communities in establishing Malaysia as a welcoming destination for Muslim travellers worldwide.
“This award represents the shared commitment of our tourism stakeholders who continue to prioritise inclusivity, accessibility, and excellence in hospitality,” he said.
The GMTI, developed by CrescentRating, has evaluated the performance of destinations in the Muslim travel sector since 2015. Malaysia has consistently topped the rankings, highlighting its ongoing efforts to improve Muslim-friendly tourism infrastructure and services.
Khairul Firdaus also praised the vital role played by the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), describing it as the engine behind Malaysia’s continued success in this space.
He spotlighted ITC’s key initiatives, such as the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR) programme and the Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guides (MFTG) certification, as crucial elements in raising service standards across the industry.
“In Malaysia, hospitality isn’t an afterthought – it’s a core part of our identity, embedded in our culture, heritage, and tourism policies,” he said, emphasising that the ultimate goal is to make every visitor feel welcomed, respected, and comfortable.
He also thanked CrescentRating and Mastercard for their strong support in advancing Muslim-friendly tourism through platforms like the Halal in Travel Global Summit.
As the global Muslim travel market continues to expand, Khairul Firdaus said such recognitions not only inspire healthy competition among destinations but also highlight the growing influence of Muslim travellers in shaping global tourism trends.
He concluded by inviting the world to take part in Visit Malaysia Year 2026, promising vibrant celebrations, rich cultural diversity, and memorable experiences. — Bernama
