Minister Nancy Shukri said based on research, Sarawak was the second oldest Malay state in the world with the mausoleum of Sarawak’s first and only sultan, Sultan Tengah, also located in Santubong.

“(Santubong) is also an attraction because of its archaeological sites. Prehistoric burial grounds in Tanjong Kubor, prehistoric iron industry in Sungai Jaong, and stone carvings from previous civilisations – all these provide an interesting narrative for Muslim tourists,” she said when opening the Islamic Tourism Entrepreneurship and Leadership Seminar (ITELS) here.

In an effort to develop the Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality sector, Nancy said the ministry has made it easier for the registration of homestay operators to enable them to benefit from the Malaysian Homestay Experience Programme.

“This is one of the efforts by the government to generate more income for the local community through community-based tourism in rural areas,” she added.

At the sidelines of the event, Nancy said the ministry has also identified several longhouses in Sarawak to be used as Muslim-friendly homestays.

“We want to show that in a longhouse, there are Muslims and non-Muslims staying together under the same roof.

“Muslim tourists are actually interested in the history of longhouses, customs and eco-tourism in the area. I’m sure many people will be interested to visit and experience staying in a longhouse,” she added.