AN OPERATIONAL SHARIAH COMPLIANT HOTEL REQUIREMENTS: MALAYSIA EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Shariah compliant hotel is a new lucrative products in Malaysia as part of halal industry. There are about 5,520 hotels in Malaysia and regretfully only 10% are complying with Shariah requirements. The demand for Shariah Compliant Hotel (SCH) is increasing due to the increased in Middle-Eastern tourists and the criteria for hotel room is highly sought. There are few standards been developed on Shariah compliant hotel in this country. This study will identify the criteria of Shariah compliance in hotel room provision through survey and observation methods. The methodology used on 8 SCH hotels to assess it room facilities in meeting Shariah requirements. A sample of 40 questionnaires was distributed to the hotel guests to identify Muslim guest needs based on Maslow hierarchy of needs. All data were collated and analysed through content analysis and descriptive analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to generate results. The results were synchronized with Islamic Quality Standard (IQS) and MFHS Standard for hotels to be embedded with the ultimate objective of Shariah (Maqasid Shariah). The findings show that about 33 aspects of hotel room being surveyed are complying with Shariah requirements. About 15 of the criteria meeting the Muslim guest needs. Shariah compliant hotel criteria based on guestroom facilities have accommodate hotel operators to apply the criteria in meeting the potential users in the hotel in Malaysia.