MB Inc. Perak aims to transform Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge No. 5 into a prime Muslim-friendly attraction
With the global Muslim population continually expanding, there is increasing potential to attract this demographic to tourism, particularly in states like Perak that are rich in natural wonders and historical heritage. Under the administration of Menteri Besar Incorporated Perak (MB Inc. Perak), significant efforts are being made to position Perak as a premier Muslim-friendly destination.
According to the MB Inc. Perak CEO, Anuar Zainal Abidin, the growing Muslim population worldwide presents a unique opportunity for the tourism sector, particularly in Perak.
“Our expectation, or rather our idea, of how this opportunity can be leveraged in Perak is that it will increase revenue for the tourism sector, create new job opportunities, and empower local entrepreneurs,” he stated.
“What sets Perak apart from other states is its rich history and heritage, which falls under our administration, specifically Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge No. 5 (TT5). MB Inc. Perak anticipates a significant increase in tourism spending and more extended stays, which will enhance Perak’s image as a new Muslim-friendly destination.
“The TT5 heritage site can serve as a platform or medium for promoting heritage and potentially as a cultural exchange platform, particularly in the context of Muslim-friendly tourism.”
ENHANCING AWARENESS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Anuar acknowledged the challenges faced in making Perak a Muslim-friendly destination. He noted that the State is still somewhat lagging in terms of Muslim-friendly infrastructure and services.
“We also feel that awareness is still relatively limited, with service providers perhaps not yet fully aware of the importance of providing more Muslim-friendly tourism services,” he elaborated.
Anuar noted four strategies to address these challenges in general. The first step is intensive training programmes to enhance understanding among service providers. The second is strategic investments to provide better Muslim-friendly infrastructure, such as improved prayer facilities and more halal restaurants.
“Third, collaboration with industry experts who can offer advisory services to help us obtain specific certifications for the Muslim-friendly tourism sector; and finally, targeted marketing campaigns to highlight our country’s unique offerings as a Muslim-friendly tourism provider, particularly Perak as a Muslim-friendly destination,” he added.
“At TT5, MB Inc. Perak has already made significant strides in providing Muslim-friendly facilities. In Tanjung Tualang, for instance, finding halal food can be challenging. Therefore, MB Inc. Perak has made some arrangements with halal restaurants and shares this information with TT5 visitors.”
LOCAL COMMUNITY AS TOURISM AMBASSADORS
“We also run community programmes such as Rumah Ngaji MB Inc at TT5. This initiative aims to strengthen our relationship with the local community, where residents can serve as ambassadors for Muslim-friendly tourism,” Anuar mentioned.
In addition to the efforts at TT5, the Perak Government has undertaken several other initiatives. These include the annual Perak Halal Food Festival, which promotes local gastronomy, and the launch of the Islamic Heritage Trail, highlighting historical Islamic sites in the State. The State government has also collaborated with local hotels to offer more Muslim-friendly services.
Anuar highlighted the importance of community involvement in these Muslim-friendly initiatives, saying: “The community can play a role by becoming tourism ambassadors, and local traders can obtain certifications to make tourists feel more confident about visiting Perak or Malaysia in general. Educational institutions can also offer courses related to Muslim-friendly tourism.”
STRENGTHENING BOND WITH ITC
Anuar extends its highest congratulations to the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) on its 15th anniversary of advancing the Islamic tourism industry in Malaysia.
“We hope ITC will continue to promote the importance of preserving historical heritage in the context of Muslim-friendly tourism. MB Inc Perak also hopes that in the coming years, the existing networking between MB Inc Perak and ITC will be further strengthened, making Perak a more outstanding destination for Muslim-friendly tourism in the future.” – RnR
MALAYSIA’S LAST TIN DREDGE
▶ The tin rush in Perak began in 1848 in Taiping, making Perak the wealthiest State in Malaya. Its capital, Ipoh, was fondly known as “The City of Millionaires.”
▶ Panning (‘mendulang’ or ‘melampan’) was the earliest method to source for tin ore.
▶ In January 1913, Malayan Tin Dredging (MTD) introduced the first dredge in Batu Gajah.
▶ The cost to build one dredge then was nearly RM 40 million, and with 123 dredges in 1940, the total foreign investment in the dredging industry was about RM 4 billion.
▶ Due to a decline in tin prices, operations started to shut down, and ‘floating factories’ were dismantled or sold off.
▶ Today, the only remaining tin dredge is Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge No. 5 (TT5):
- It was built in England by F.W. Payne & Sons in 1938.
- It was upgraded in 1963.
- It continued its operation for 44 years until August 1982.
- In 1997, Malaysian Mining Corporation (MMC) donated TT5 to the Perak State Government.
