Pahang in for ‘religious tourism’

KUANTAN: Pahang has identified several places of worship to promote to the world as part of its “religious tourism” initiative. Among these sites are the Lao Zi temple in Kuantan, the state mosque, Thean Hou temple and Gurdwara Sahib in Kuala Lipis, the Kampung Pulau Tawar and Abu Bakar mosques in Pekan, and Kuil Sri Marathandavar in Maran. State Arts, Tourism, Women and Family Development Committee chairman Datuk Shafik Fauzan Sharif said the move, which had been adopted by other states such as Penang and Kuala Lumpur, had proven to be successful.

However, he said proper guidelines to enter these premises needed to be put into place to safeguard the sanctity and sensitivities of their devotees. ”For example, visitors cannot simply enter a mosque without knowing requirements such as proper dressing as this may create unnecessary problems. ”The same rules apply to other places of worship, which may require visitors to give due respect before entering,” he said after attending a Mooncake Festival cum Hari Raya celebration at the Lao Zi temple here yesterday.

Shafik Fauzan said he had instructed relevant authorities such as the state Tourism Malaysia office and the Fraser’s Hill Development Corporation to draft pamphlets depicting the history behind these sites and guidelines for the visitors. He said besides boosting tourist arrivals in the state, the initiative could help foster closer understanding and rapport among the different races. Shafik Fauzan added that the state government would help to upgrade infrastructure and public amenities at the sites and would seek aid from the Federal Government if necessary.

Earlier, during the event, 15 children from the Kuantan Handi­capped and Mentally Retarded Children Centre were feted to a luncheon of mooncakes and other festive delicacies and given duit raya.
-thestar online.
http://www.pahangtourism.com.my/