(Photo: Halal Times)

In the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand, a remarkable story of entrepreneurship is unfolding. Malaysian entrepreneurs Muhammad Afiq Mohmad Nazari and Mohammad Habibullah Md Ali are at the forefront of a burgeoning halal tourism movement, transforming their passion for travel into a thriving business that caters to Muslim travelers. Their company, NZ Malaya Limited, has quickly established itself as a leading provider of Muslim-friendly travel experiences, not just in New Zealand but across the globe.

From Passion to Profession

What started as a simple initiative to organize road trips for fellow students has blossomed into a full-fledged travel enterprise. Founded in 2015 when Afiq was just 20 and Habibullah 22, NZ Malaya Limited was officially registered in January 2017 with the support of the New Zealand government. The duo recognized the unique challenges faced by Muslim travelers, such as finding halal food, prayer facilities, and suitable accommodations. Their solution? A travel company dedicated to addressing these needs while promoting the beauty and culture of New Zealand.

With headquarters in Queenstown and a branch in Auckland, NZ Malaya has expanded its operations significantly. In May 2018, they established NZ Malaya Travel Sdn Bhd in Bukit Rimau, Shah Alam, Selangor, to further support their initiatives in Malaysia. This strategic move has allowed them to bridge the gap between Malaysian travelers and the rich experiences New Zealand has to offer.

Community Support and Empowerment

The growth of NZ Malaya has been bolstered by the New Zealand Malaysia Business Association (NZMBA), which has provided invaluable networking opportunities with industry leaders, government agencies, and businesses. NZMBA President Dave Ananth emphasized the association’s commitment to promoting halal products from New Zealand while positioning Malaysia, particularly Nilai in Negeri Sembilan, as a global halal trade hub.

NZ Malaya’s business model is not just about tourism; it’s also about empowering the youth. The company offers opportunities in tour guiding, digital marketing, and business development, fostering innovation and leadership among young talents. Ananth noted,

“The company is dedicated to maintaining high halal standards, ensuring that its travel experiences, food, and accommodations meet ethical and quality benchmarks for both Muslim and non-Muslim travelers.”

Commitment to Halal Standards

NZ Malaya integrates halal standards based on ISO 22000 into its operations, ensuring compliance with international food safety and quality benchmarks. This commitment to excellence has set them apart in the competitive tourism market.

Recognizing the increasing demand for halal dining options, NZ Malaya launched Komunal Cafe in Malaysia, which serves a delightful blend of Malaysian and Western cuisine in a halal-certified environment. Following its success, they opened Queenstown’s first Malaysian-owned halal café, with ambitious plans to expand into Australia, Japan, and other international markets.

Expanding Horizons

(Photo: The Star)

The company’s vision extends beyond New Zealand. NZ Malaya has diversified its halal-friendly travel services to include destinations like Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Turkiye, China, Egypt, and Jordan—each selected for their accessibility to halal food, prayer facilities, and culturally inclusive experiences.

Additionally, NZ Malaya has ventured into property management under the Smart Staycation and Smart Home brands, overseeing over 200 halal-friendly accommodation units in New Zealand and Malaysia. Their collaboration with organizations like MyFundAction NZ, which features a Jakim-certified team, has been instrumental in raising awareness about halal tourism and food standards through various campaigns and exhibitions.

A Call for Collaboration

Ananth encourages both Malaysian and international companies to partner with NZ Malaya to further expand halal tourism initiatives beyond New Zealand, highlighting the sector’s vast potential. As the demand for halal travel continues to grow, NZ Malaya stands ready to lead the charge, showcasing the beauty of New Zealand while ensuring that Muslim travelers feel welcomed and catered to.

In a world where travel is increasingly about experiences that resonate with personal values, NZ Malaya is not just a travel agency; it’s a beacon of innovation and inclusivity in the halal tourism landscape. With their commitment to quality and community empowerment, Afiq and Habibullah are paving the way for a new era of travel that celebrates diversity and fosters connections across cultures.

Original Article:

Halal Focus. (n.d.). Malaysian entrepreneurs drive halal tourism growth in New Zealand. Halal Focus. https://halalfocus.com/malaysian-entrepreneurs-drive-halal-tourism-growth-in-new-zealand/