KUALA LUMPUR, March 7 (Bernama) — What began as a passion project—organising road trips for fellow students in New Zealand—has since evolved into a thriving travel business for Malaysian entrepreneurs Muhammad Afiq Mohmad Nazari and Mohammad Habibullah Md Ali.
Their company, NZ Malaya Limited, now a leading halal tourism provider, is making significant strides in promoting Muslim-friendly travel experiences in New Zealand and beyond.
With its base in Queenstown and a branch in Auckland, the company was founded by the two engineering graduates to address challenges Muslim travellers face in finding halal food, prayer facilities, and suitable accommodation.
Muhammad Afiq, 30, and Mohammad Habibullah, 32, started NZ Malaya in 2015 when they were 20 and 22, respectively. As demand grew, they officially registered NZ Malaya Limited in January 2017 with approval from the New Zealand government.
The expansion continued with the establishment of NZ Malaya Travel Sdn Bhd in May 2018, based in Bukit Rimau, Shah Alam, Selangor, to support their operations in Malaysia.
The company has received strong backing from the New Zealand Malaysia Business Association (NZMBA), which has provided valuable networking opportunities with industry leaders, government agencies, and businesses.
NZMBA President Dave Ananth said the association has long championed halal products from New Zealand while also promoting Malaysia, particularly Nilai in Negeri Sembilan, as a hub for global halal trade.
He noted that NZ Malaya’s business model prioritises youth empowerment by providing opportunities in tour guiding, digital marketing, and business development, fostering innovation and leadership among young talents.
“The company is committed to maintaining high halal standards, ensuring that its travel experiences, food, and accommodations meet ethical and quality standards for both Muslim and non-Muslim travellers,” he said in a statement.
NZ Malaya integrates halal standards based on ISO 22000 into its operations, ensuring compliance with international benchmarks for food safety and quality.
Beyond New Zealand, the company has expanded its halal-friendly travel services to Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Turkiye, China, Egypt, and Jordan—all chosen for their accessibility to halal food, prayer facilities, and inclusive cultural experiences.
Recognising the growing demand for halal dining, NZ Malaya launched Komunal Cafe in Malaysia, offering a mix of Malaysian and Western cuisine in a halal-certified environment. Following its success, the company opened Queenstown’s first Malaysian-owned halal café, with plans to expand to Australia, Japan, and other international markets.
NZ Malaya has also diversified into property management under the Smart Staycation and Smart Home brands, managing over 200 halal-friendly accommodation units in New Zealand and Malaysia.
The company has partnered with organisations such as MyFundAction NZ, whose JAKIM-certified team actively raises awareness about halal tourism and food standards through campaigns and exhibitions.
Ananth encouraged Malaysian and international companies to collaborate with NZ Malaya to further expand halal tourism initiatives beyond New Zealand, highlighting the sector’s vast potential.
— BERNAMA