Developing a proper framework towards Shariah-Compliant hotel in Malaysia : identifying opportunities and challenges

The fast growth of Islamic industry and Islamic business in Malaysia requires the parallel
progress of Islamic hospitality in Malaysia. Being a country with a majority Muslim
population and good trade facilities and infrastructures, Malaysia has set a target to become
a global halal hub. With this target, it is undeniably essential to have Shariah-compliant
accommodation which definitely mainly targeted towards hotel industry. The purpose of this
study is to illustrate the opportunities which arise in delivering of such concept of the socalled
an Islamic hotel brand. Apart from that, it also targets to investigate on the existing
framework practised by some hoteliers branding themselves as a Shariah-compliant hotel.
Eventually, this study seeks to suggest possible recommendations for the future growth of
Islamic hospitality focusing on Shariah-compliant hotel industry in Malaysia particularly
and all over the globe in general. This study is important as it can provide information to the
authoritative body and to industry players as well. It will indicate the importance to have
adequate knowledge on availability of the opportunities and to have some preparation
towards the challenges that they might be facing prior developing Shariah-compliant hotel in
Malaysia.