Pleasant start for haj pilgrims
Tabung Haji’s new hub is bigger and more comfortable for a meaningful pilgrimage
MOVENPICK Hotel and Convention Centre KLIA is a magnificent landmark, infused with modern Islamic concepts. The upcoming four-star hotel is developed by TH Properties Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Tabung Haji (TH).
TH Properties Sdn Bhd group managing director Datuk Roszali Othman said the 333-room hotel, comprising three blocks of ninestorey buildings, is scheduled to open on July 1.
This year’s pilgrims would be the first to stay in the new hotel prior to their departure for Saudi Arabia.
Its main facilities include a 617bay multi-level carpark, a convention centre with a capacity of 2,500 guests, and 10 seminar rooms that can also cater to 2,500 people.
The convention centre and seminar rooms will be equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual system, potentially making them a location of choice for mass events.
Renowned companies in the construction industry, such as architect Hijjas Kasturi & Associates Sdn Bhd, interior designer Rezzuan Yeoh & Ong Sdn Bhd, landscaper Shah, P.K. Associates Sdn Bhd, and engineering consultant Arup Jururunding Sdn Bhd were roped in for the project.
In addition, TH aims to obtain a silver rating for the new hotel in Malaysia’s Green
Building Index (GBI) to support environmental sustainability.
Roszali said the hotel was the fruit of Tabung Haji’s success.
“Depositors should be proud of this development as it can generate sustainable income for TH and contribute to the nation’s economy. The agency has performed well in managing the pilgrims’ funds, as well as organising their pilgrimage.”
Movenpick Hotel also provides job opportunities, with 255 vacancies to fill in various departments.
As a syariah-compliant hotel, Roszali said male and female guests would be segregated at the oasis-themed swimming pool, and liquor would not be served.
The building is inspired by the ihram, which is the garment worn by male pilgrims.
The ihram reflects similitude as Islam does not discriminate between race, colour and wealth. It is also a symbol of purity and TH’s objective of providing the best service to its pilgrims.
The new hotel’s decor is based on Islamic elements — infused with ornate carvings and geometrical motifs, with Kufi scriptures inscribed on the walls and ceiling.
“We also considered the pillars, drawing inspiration from historical buildings in Cordoba, Spain, which was once home to a glorious Islamic civilisation,” said Roszali.
“The hotel is planted with greeneries to provide a soothing natural landscape. For example, at the reception area, visitors will be greeted by the sight of a calming waterfall.”
The lancet-shaped arches of the hotel blocks are common in Turkish and Iranian architecture.
Roszali said one of the hotel designs was based on mashrabiah, which was a branch of traditional Arabic architecture.
“At the same time, the interior is influenced by the Al-Sahan architecture, especially in the lobby.”
Other parts of the hotel include an observation deck (Anjung Tinjau) for family members to bid farewell to pilgrims.
The hotel intends to go international and attract more than 1.8 billion Muslim guests.
Movenpick Hotel is a milestone development for TH, which has been recognised by Saudi Arabia as one of the best pilgrim management agencies in the world.
Roszali said the hotel had received bookings for 80 per cent of its rooms, as well as reservations for grand-scale events.
An international management company based in Baar, Switzerland, has been chosen to administer the hotel. The Swiss company has more than 44 years of experience managing hotels in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Roszali said TH Properties was also optimistic that the new hotel would help it win more accolades, in addition to the three prestigious awards it received at the 2017-2018 International Property Awards competition in the United Kingdom.