Muslim Friendly Tourism (MFT):
Understanding the Supply and Demand Sides
In the OIC Member Countries
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Faith-based needs of Muslim Traveler
Singapore caters well for Muslims when it comes to their basic faith-based needs.
a) Halal Food
Singapore is highly mature in their understanding of Halal requirements. In fact, most
Singaporeans are familiar with the term Halal. As such it has by far the best Halal food
availability among the non-OIC destinations. MUIS (Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura)
administers and regulates Halal certification in Singapore. It issues individual Halal certificates
to restaurants, food stallholders, food companies or any other eating establishment that
complies with the terms and conditions of its Halal certification system.
Singapore has more than 10,000 Halal certified food outlets. There is a Halal certified or
Muslim managed food outlet almost everywhere in the island. Abdul Rahim Saleh, Chief
Executive Officer at Warees Halal Limited said; Halal certification is part of the Singapore
Brand.
In some food courts, there is also clear signage to return cutlery to Halal and non-halal
counters.
The majority of the Muslim population feels that Singapore currently has adequate services
and facilities to cater to the Muslim visitors, especially when it comes to food.
b) Prayer Facilities
There are ample prayer facilities in Singapore. There are about 70 mosques in the country. In
addition, small prayer rooms can be found at some selected shopping centers. Some major
attractions such as the Universal studios provide prayer rooms.
c) Ramadhan Services
Muslim visitors to Singapore should not find it difficult during the month of Ramadhan. Some
Hotels will cater to the sahoor and iftar needs. Some Hotels have special promotions of Halal
buffet’s during Ramadhan. There is also a “Ramadhan bazaar” which not only caters to the
local population but also has become a tourist attraction.
d) Water friendly Washroom
A few hotels are beginning to provide rooms with attached bathrooms that are water friendly.
Although not widely available, hotels are receiving inquiries as to whether they have water
friendly washrooms.
e) No Non-Halal Activities & Recreational facilities and facilities with privacy
There are no Hotels, beaches or other tourism services which caters to the needs of some
Muslims looking for such facilities.