Muslim Friendly Tourism (MFT):
Understanding the Supply and Demand Sides
In the OIC Member Countries
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Jop Thissen of Excellent Beurzen based in Netherlands, commented that Muslim business travel
has the potential for future growth. Currently the number of events that have been held are
limited for the Muslim Business traveler. However, this is expected to change significantly. He
finds that the platform that the MICE industry offers is compelling. The changing trends are
clearly indicating that this sector is making a steady comeback. There is once again a renewed
demand for exhibitions, meetings and events to showcase latest products or for brainstorming
sessions or simply for attracting clients.
2.3.4 Healthcare Tourism
Travel for Healthcare by Muslims is evolving. This area covers travel for critical illness and as
well for general health and wellness care. Singapore is a leading destination for critical illness
in Asia. Patients from across Asia travel to Singapore to seek medical treatment. Healthcare
providers mentioned more patients are arriving from India and China, an addition to the
traditional sources such as Indonesia and Malaysia. Two years ago, Russia and the Middle East
were identified as growing markets. Now, patients from less developed nations such as
Cambodia and Mongolia are also traveling to Singapore. In order to encourage Muslim
patients, many Singapore hospitals provide Halal food and prayer rooms.
Malaysia has also developed its Muslim medical tourism market. The country received 882,000
foreign patients in 201415. The majority of the foreign patients seeking medical treatments in
Malaysia are from Indonesia, with smaller numbers of foreign patients coming from India,
Singapore and Japan. Health insurance companies in Singapore have recently permitted their
policyholders to be treated in Malaysia where services are cheaper than in Singapore.
When it comes to offering services to Muslim patients, Amiruddin Satar, managing director of
KPJ Healthcare based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia commented that for example, insulin, a widely
used product in hospitals, may contain bovine or porcine based. Where we can help it, we offer
patients halal options. He is of the opinion that Muslim friendly healthcare travel has a good
potential in Malaysia. Jamil Bidin, Managing Director/Chief Executive officer of Halal Industry
Development Corp Sdn Bhd (HDC) based in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia mentioned that they can
provide halal pharmaceutical products in Malaysia. He further added that there's a big market
and a great opportunity for third party service providers.
Kazi Shafiqur Rahman CEO of Firnas Airways, views that there would be very strong growth in
the Medical Healthcare tourism market. The increase cost will witness patience seeking lower
cost alternatives. In addition, OIC member states can position themselves in providing Halal
Healthcare for the Muslim tourist.
Muslim Healthcare tourism offers a positive opportunity for growth. A few countries may be
positioned relatively better than others to capitalize on this opportunity.
15 MHTC (2014); Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council ) established under the Ministry of Health
(MOH) Malaysia; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia