MUSLIM FRIENDLY TOURISM AND CHALLENGES IN

MALAYSIA

IC2204A

PREPARED BY:
NAME MATRIC NO
AHMAD FAIZ IKHWAN 2021900589
BIN MOHD BAKRI
MUHAMMAD ZHARFAN 2021106893
BIN MD ZAMRI
USAMAH BIN BADRUD'DIN 2021185021

ADIB SAFWAN BIN 2021106955

NORYAZID
MUHAMMAD LUKMAN BIN 2021107279
MAT @ AHMAD
MOHD SYAHIR AIMAN BIN 2021121929
MOHD SAFRI

PREPARED FOR:
USTAZ AHMAD THAQIF
ISMAIL

ISH551 SYARIAH
COMPLIANCE LEISURE
MANAGEMENT

OCTOBER 2022
 Table of Content
Topic Page
1.0 Abstract 3
2.0 Introduction 4
3.0 Definition of Muslim Friendly Tourism

3.1.1 Concept of Muslim Friendly Tourism 5-7

3.1.2 Dalil & Legal Evidence

4.0 Faith-Based needs of Muslim Traveler

4.1 Need to have

4.1.1 Halal food & beverage
4.1.2 Prayer Facilities

4.2 Good to have 8-12

4.2.1 Ramadhan Service
4.2.2 Water-Friendly Washroom

4.3Nice to have
4.3.1 No non halal activities
4.3.2 Recreational Facilities and services
5.0 Research Methodology 13
6.0 Findings & Discussions

6.1 Challenges in Malaysia

6.1.1 Gender Segregation
6.1.2 Inappropriate and Revealing attire 14-19
6.1.3 Prohibition of Sexual premises
5.1.4 Gambling
5.1.5Prohibition of Women travelling alone
6.0 Conclusion and recommendation 20
7.0 Acknowledgement 21
8.0 References 22

2
 1.0 Abstract

The development of Muslim Friendly Tourism (MFT) in Malaysia’s industry and research has
turn into a sensational segment with the awareness of Muslims preferences has surged from
time to time. Malaysia took it to the next level by initiating the term ‘Muslim-Friendly’ to cater
to the basic needs of tourists while focusing on both Muslims and Non-Muslims which is
suitable to its social demography. MFT has become a large share of stakeholders among the
Muslims in the local industry. Malaysia led the majority number of main interactions in the
industry that promises Muslim traveler comfort and safer option in travels. MFT has been one
of the major contributors to the local economy and had influenced the other Muslim countries
to emulate the concept in their tourism industry. The contemporary concept of tourism that
meets the needs of Muslim tourists has become an eye-opener towards this sector. The faith-
based needs of Muslims have been a niche segment since the introduction of shariah
compliance in the tourism industry. Thus, the accomplishment of Malaysia’s concept and
practices wade through its shariah issues in progressing and promoting MFT needs to be
evaluated to evolve the contemporary concept of the tourism industry. This paper aims to
explore more about the MFT’s concept, practices and find the answer to its challenges which
related to shariah issues in Malaysia. A qualitative method is used for data analysis which
consists of primary sources including research, articles, reports, and books. The findings
found that the concept of MFT and its shariah issues that interferes with the practices does not
cause much despite progressing towards advancement in the global industry.

Keywords: Muslim-friendly Tourism (MFT), Halal tourism, Islamic Tourism, Faith-based

Needs, and Challenges.

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 2.0Introduction
Tourism industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world. Over the past decade,
Islamic tourism have shown an upbeat expansion and become one of the top contributors of
the national economy. Based on the Global Islamic Economy (GIE) Report in 2017/2018,
travelling has become a developing trend that promotes the Islamic tourism industry. The report
shows that the number of Muslim travelers was estimated to RM659 billion in 2016 and is
expected to hit RM1103 billion by 2022 (GIE Report 2017). An eye-opener towards the
stakeholders of the industry as it evolves into a designated and recognizable status known as
Muslim-friendly Tourism (MFT). Since then, many companies, hoteliers, caterers,
restaurateurs, tourism operator and also travelers display an incredibly interests towards the
service industry.

This can be proven by looking at the one of the main contributors which is Muslim
travelers towards the global tourism economy. Based on the GIE Report in 2018, Muslim
tourist contributes about 11.9% of the global expenditure which convert into RM727 billion
(excluding hajj and umrah). In Malaysia, the tourism industry performance relies on the
international tourist advent and incomes. United Arab Emirates (UAE) rank first place as
Malaysia runner up as a developing country in providing the best ecosystem for Muslim
Friendly Tourism according to the halal travel indicator.

Malaysia has the possibility to grow its potential particularly in infrastructure sectors
that includes transportation, accommodation and hospitality, food and beverages, tourism
agencies as well as entertainment and attraction. Since then, Muslim-friendly Tourism has
gained more focus and attention from various parties especially in promoting its products and
services. However, there are few issues brought forward relating to shariah concern which can
be a challenge to the industry. For the most part, this study aims to outline the implied concept
of MFT and to focus on the practices and the challenging shariah issues that facing the industry
in striving towards goal and achievement to develop economy growth in the near future.

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 3.1 Definition

In defining Muslim-friendly tourism, it is quite complex to do so because it lacks

standardization. Common terms that are being used are “Halal Tourism” and “Islamic
Tourism”. According to Mohamed Battour and Mohd Nazari Ismail (2016) although both of
this term carries a similar definition both of it carries a different meaning. They argued that the
term Islamic tourism is flawed as the word Islamic is something relating to the faith of Islam
and its doctrines and the element of intention or niyyah needs to be present to make one activity
is Islamic. While the term halal tourism is much more concise as halal carries the meaning of
anything that is permitted or allowed in Islam. And they conclude that it is better to use “halal’
for any related product and service that is halal thus the term “halal tourism”. So, researcher
deduce that Muslim-friendly tourism is “halal tourism”; a tourism that is run in accordance
with sharia principles.

1.2.1 Concept of Muslim Friendly Tourism

Halal Tourism is a tourism service that fulfils the needs of Muslims in accordance
with sharia principles. Halal tourism extends beyond serving halal food and drink service it
involves that the whole entire operation throughout the hotel (Samori. Z & Rahman. F,
2013). Marcus L. Stephenson (2014) categories the requirements that need to be fulfilled. He
classes it by human resources, private rooms, dining quarters, other public facilities and
business operation (Table 1.0). He also stresses on the hotel company should contribute some
of its revenue to alms or zakat.

• Dress code of all the staff members in

accordance with sharia perimeter
• Restricted working hours for Muslim
Human Resources staffs during the month of Ramadhan
• All staff and guest must adhere to
moral codes and conduct
• Separate floors with rooms must be
allocated to women and families
• Qibla direction for prayers
Private Rooms (Bedrooms and Bathrooms) • Prayer mats and a mushaf of al-Quran
• Non-explicit television channel

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 • Halal friendly complentary toiletries
• Halal food
• Soft beverages only
• Art that does not depict human and
dining and Banqueting facilities animal form
• No music playing provoking and
seductive messages
• No gambling machines
• Segregated leisure facilities for both
sexes
Other public facilities • Wudhu facilities equipped nearby the
prayer room
• Ethical and transparent marketing
operation
• Corporate social responsibility that is
Business Operation linked with Islamic values
• Investments and transactions in line
with sharia banking finance and
accounting.

Table 1.0

From here that we can see that Halal Tourism is such a wide characteristic need to emphasize
to cater not for just to the Muslim also to the non-Muslim as well.

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 2.2.1 Dalil & Legal Evidence of Halal Tourism
Islam has always encouraged its followers to travel. We can see in the al-Quran encourage its
followers to travel and roam the earth:

In other verse Allah stated:

From both of this this verse we can see that Islam encourage its followers to travel and to take
ibrah and observe Allah’s creation. We also can see Islam gives rukhsah or easiness towards
its believers by jama’ their prayers if they are on musafir (Muhammad. Z, 2016):

As conclusion it’s very evident that Islam is not a rigid religion it gives easiness and leisure
towards its ummah and the point of travel itself to remind them towards its creator.

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 3.2 Faith-based Needs of Muslim Traveler

MFT is a service industry that focuses on delivering services in the tourism and
hospitality market, with a strong emphasis on lodging, food and beverages and travel activities.
All these services are Syariah compliant, with the aim of satisfying travelers who need MFT
services.

To date, the majority of studies shows that destinations that are striving to attract
Muslim travelers, a variety of factors should be considered such as food (Halal restaurants),
lodging preferences (Halal hotels/Halal resorts), transportation activities (Halal trips), fashion,
shopping, finance, and medical needs are all part of the Halal lifestyle (Battour & Ismail, 2016).
When travelling, tourist seeks activity that doesn’t against their moral values and ethics. And
there are restriction and guidelines that Muslim tourist must abide that is entailed by Syariah
rulings.

Halal hotels, halal transportation, halal food restaurants, halal tour packages, and halal finance
are all examples of “halal friendly” tourism as a niche market. As a result, halal tourism is
composed of various industries that are interconnected (Akyol & Kilinc, 2014)

Why Faith-based needs?

Muslims' purchasing decisions are increasingly influenced by their faith. The rapid
growth of Islamic industries, such as Islamic banking, Halal food, Islamic fashion, Halal
cosmetics, and other related industries, illustrates this. There are three main reasons on the
increasing adherence to faith-based needs which is (COMCEC Coordination Office, 2016)

a) Way of life
Muslims believe Islam as a "way of life" in which its teachings and ideals pervade all
aspects of their lives, including their consumption patterns. Food (‘Halal' options),
family-friendly environments, religious traditions, housing, gender connection
complexities, modest clothing, schooling, finances, and other areas are among the
market drivers of the unique Muslim lifestyle. Many of these principles are universally
appealing, and commodities do not need to be targeted solely at Muslims.

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 b) Growing income and enabling environment
The fact that some of the world's fastest growing economies are Muslim majority
countries has also contributed to the recent growth of this faith-based industry.
Bangladesh, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Nigeria,
Turkey, and other countries have experienced rapid economic development, resulting
in an increase in middle- and high-income earners.
c) It is already real and growing
In essence, faith as a main business attribute is already a reality for Muslim consumers,
and it is growing. Due to Muslim business affinities, trade between Muslim countries
is also increasing, resulting in increased intra-OIC trade. Many Muslim tourists are
travelling to Muslim majority countries such as Malaysia and Turkey because of values-
based affinity, protection and convenience.

The key areas for Muslim travelers have been described as six faith-based needs. While
the majority of Muslim travelers adhere to some of these requirements, the value of these
requirements varies among Muslims. The six faith- based needs have been separated into three
categories which are needed to have, good to have and nice to have (Fazal Bahardeen, 2014).

3.2.1 Need to Have

3.2.1.1 Halal Food and Beverages
Akyol and Kilinc (2014) said that halal tourism encompasses a variety of sectors that
are related such as halal hospitality, halal transportation, halal food and beverages, halal tour
packages, and halal finance. The most important service by far that a Muslim traveller seeks
while travelling is halal food and beverages. Muslims have different levels of acceptance for
different levels of Halal food and beverages assurance.
Muslims are required by their faith to obey the rules laid out in the Quran, which
includes knowing what foods are permissible or not (Tieman, 2013). Allah says in Al-Quran:

9
Acceptability varies depending on the place from which Muslim travelers are travelling.
Muslim tourists from Southeast Asia and Western Europe prefer food outlets that have proper
Halal certification and can be identified by visitors.
Local authorities are usually the ones who provide halal certification. Halal certification
is supervised in some OIC (The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) member states by a
single body that has been approved to perform certification in the country. Some OIC member
states, mostly those in the Middle East such as Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and
Bahrain, lack such certification bodies for food outlets/restaurants. Many Halal certification
bodies have emerged in non-OIC countries, with some having several bodies conducting Halal
certification (COMCEC Coordination Office, 2016).
According to Shafaei and Mohamed (2015), since Muslims must adhere to Islamic
values when travelling, the availability of Halal food and beverages is an important factor to
consider when selecting a travel destination. So, from this we can conclude that availability of
halal food and beverages has a significant influence and effect on tourist satisfaction.
3.2.1.2 Prayer Facilities
Muslims are expected to fulfil their religious obligations in their daily lives as well as
when travelling especially in order to perform prayer. (Zamani-farahani & Henderson, 2010).
The second of Islam's five pillars, prayer, is one of the most important aspects of Islamic
practice and worship. Allah says in Al-Quran:

According to the Pew Research Centre Forum on Religious and Public Life (2014)
report, 63% of Muslims perform the five daily prayers. To meet this demand, the tourism spot
services and facilities should have prayer rooms, preferably with separate spaces for men and
women.
According to Al-Hamarneh & Steiner (2004), the prayer facility is one of the most
important amenities for Muslim travelers. Convenient access to places of worship (Masjid or
prayer room) and the availability of the Al-Quran and the Qiblah direction pointer are highly
prioritized tangible attributes for Muslim travelers when travelling. As a result, we can
conclude that the availability of prayer facilities has a substantial impact on tourist satisfaction.

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 3.2.2 Good to Have
3.2.2.1 Ramadan Service
Eating out from home is slowly increasing and becoming a modern phenomenon, owing
to rapid changes in the economy, increased people's disposable income, busy lifestyles, and
sophisticated education (Othman & Zahari, 2007).
The eating out routine is not only valid during normal days for daily consumption and
leisure dining, but it also applies to the Ramadhan month. When it comes to Muslim dining out
during the month of Ramadhan or Iftar, many food service establishments including star-rated
hotel restaurants, compete to have an attractive Iftar Ramadhan buffet (Ramadhan Zone,
2008).
As a Muslim country, Malaysians have become accustomed to eating out or having Iftar
Ramadhan at a variety of food establishments or outlets, particularly from the second to the
last week of Ramadhan. Most four- and five-star hotels in the country's large cities serve Iftar
in their hotel restaurants. A new trend of customers patronizing restaurants is emerging. The
demand for Iftar buffets at four and five-star hotels is steadily growing, despite being slightly
more expensive, the demand has never slowed (Ahmad, 2008).
As an example, at Dubai, hotels and beach resorts advertise exclusive deals and room
rates, as well as a variety of added value services. In addition, during the fasting month the
likes of shopping malls, restaurants, and numerous retail outlets offer limited offers, discounts,
and other promotions. In the month of Ramadhan, several hotels in Dubai build a "Ramadan
tent" or "Ramadan Cafe" in their lawns or foyers for the festivities. The Ramadan tent is an
important part of providing services to Muslims during the month of Ramadan. The aim is to
build a friendly environment or atmosphere. Various Muslims, as well as non-Muslims, are
involved. Dinner would be served in these tents, which could include hotel guests. In this
principle, all hotel guests are given Iftars and Sahur (COMCEC Coordination Office, 2016).
So, we can see from here that there is a strong link between hotel supporting characteristics
and Muslim customer purchasing conduct during Ramadhan when breaking fast or sahur.

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 3.2.1.1 Water-Friendly Washroom

In Islam hygiene or taharah is very crucial as it is one of the aspects that is stressed by Islam:

A Muslim also need to be in tahar or pure in order for their ibadat need to be accepted. There
are three types of najasah that muslim scholars categorized (al-Buhgo. M Et. Al, 2011):
• Najasah Mughallazah that is major
• Najasah Mutawassitah that is moderate
• Najasah Mukhaffah that is Minor
Water is needed in order to purify all the najasah. The activity of ablution also requires Muslim
to wash their foot. So, it’s very convenient for Muslim tourist to have an easy access to water
sources. This water-friendly washroom is widely available at the majority of Muslim countries
whereas the use of bidets, hand showers and even Japanese-style toilets.

3.2.1 Nice to Have

3.2.3.1 No Non-Halal Activities

It is part of Islamic teaching to avoid any activity or practice that may lead Muslim towards
sin. It is called Sadd al-Zara’ie (al-Bakri, 2019). So, although Muslim tourist didn’t commit the
non-halal or haram activity, they may avoid themselves any activities or premises that is against
Muslim belief and principles.

3.2.3.2 Recreational Facilities and Services

Recreational facilities that stated here is gender segregation, it’s much more convenient and
comfortable for Muslim to have recreational facilities segregated by sex. Such as swimming
pools and gyms that is provide specially for male and female use.

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 4.0 Research Methodology

This study used qualitative research method with interpretive explanatory on article reviews,
research and study on news report. Combining primary source from of Al-Quran dan Hadith
along with secondary data from literature, reports and research. In order to gain a wider view,
an analysis data run based on academic articles and research about the definition of Muslim
Friendly Tourism regarding to the ‘Muslim-friendly’ term used in the tourism industry of
Malaysia. Thus, in the first section of this paper purpose to converse about the differing
outlooks of the meaning of MFT from different Muslim countries. Malaysia has its own way
on defining the MFT concept. In describing a bigger picture, information was collected from
literature and reports by observing through different opinions of MFT from various nation.

Another part of this paper focusing on Muslim travelers’ needs that plays a big role in
the segment. Based on the reviews from different opinions, faith-based needs of Muslims are
the priority in the MFT concept. Religion and belief may reflect on daily tasks. Most of the
articles reviewed agreed on the similarities of the faith-based needs of Muslims. What makes
it different is each country has its own approach in promoting the MFT’s product and services.

As Malaysia marching towards development of MFT, there are few challenging

obstacles related to shariah issues in the industry. By referring to the Al-Quran and hadith,
Islam has its limitation in travelling and explore. This study tends to state the clarifications
from the Muslim scholars regarding to shariah ruling by compiling numbers of fatwas and
opinions to be observed altogether.

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5. Findings And Discussions

5.1 Challenges in Malaysia

5.1.1 Gender Segregation

Gender segregation is a prominent feature of Islamic religion. All the rules have their
own wisdom which is once unknown to man. All around the world many religious beliefs and
traditions determine gendered and sexual practices and routines.

Islam is a comprehensive religion which provides rules and guidelines in life. In Islam,
sharia or law is strictly forbidden from Muslims mixed free by sex, because it leads to fitnah,
the excitement of desires, committing lewd behavior and misconduct. (Battour et al., 2011). In
addition, some sharia enforcement versions insist on tighter guidelines on the sex separation of
individual coffees and restaurants, which only serve guests of the sex. Why, the male and
female can’t mix in a closed place, it is because in hadith from Saidina Abdullah ibn Umar RA
that Rasulullah SAW said:

Based on the hadith, we are known that that it’s one of the Satan’s way in opening the
door of adultery. Sheikh Muhammad Bin Abd Al-Rahman Al-Mubarakfuri Rahimahullah
when reciting this hadith said: The meaning of this hadith is: Satan is with both (men and
women who are in khalwat) and whispers lust on them until he throws them both into the
valley of adultery. Refer to Tuhfah Al-Ahwazi, Al-Mubarakfuri (6/320).

14
 Muslim communities provided little opportunity for the participation of women, relying
heavily on the cultural practices of their home countries, which encouraged gender segregation
and were mainly exclusionary towards women. The exclusion of women and having their own
space has functioned as a shelter for women from the public (male) gaze through the shield
provided by curtains, walls, and closed gates (Jaschok, Maria. 2012).

In this instance segregation was practiced in order to preserve focused concentration

during prayer. Evidence of this is found in the Prophet’s Hadith (Jibreen, 1996, p. 121):

As such, the tourism and hospitality industry should meet these requirements by
assigning separate male and female rooms in restaurants, gyms, and swimming pools.

5.1.2 Inappropriate and Revealing Attire

In Islam, the human body is regarded as a cause of shame that must be hidden and
covered. Modesty and chastity are coveted and sacred aspects of one’s personality and
character. However, a woman’s entire body is imbued with sexuality: bodily movements and
the style, shape and color of female clothing have the potency to instigate male sexual arousal
(Tsee¨lon, 1995).

Muslim women are required to dress in Hijab that covers all their bodies except their
hands and face to prevent society from falling into discord. Muslim women are protected by
Islamic teachings in order to safeguard their chastity and to emphasize their value and lofty
stature. Therefore, the consideration of the rules on women working in tourism sector is very
significant to cater for Muslim tourists and the tourism industry should thus oblige Muslim
women staff to wear Shariah compliant clothing.

Shariah laws prohibit women from improper dressing. It is because the women aurah
(part of the body that must be hidden from mahram) is all of the body except the face and
palm). In Malaysia, majority of the Muslim waitress are wearing dress that cover the aurah, but
it does not obey the shariah guidelines.

Allah S.W.T. has said in the Quran:

15
 The terms of cloth that has used at the verse is Al-Jilbab, which is wide shirt and dress
worn by a woman with a fabric underneath or anything worn from above to cover her clothing.
Therefore, enforcing such a dress code for tourists and staff to attract Muslim tourists is
essential for Halal tourism.

5.1.3 Prohibition of Sexual Premises

Muslim Friendly Hotel means a hotel that complies with the need of Muslim travelers
but does not have a benchmark itself to a certain legislation, law and standards. For example,
provide halal food and Muslim amenities in the room, but has entertainment outlet such as a
night club and separate bar services.

In this matter, major of the hotel or premise that didn’t do a background check whether
the couple have married or not. This is a step to prevent adultery or pre-marital sex among the
visitors. In Al-Quran also have said that adultery is prohibited which based on Surah Al-Isra
verse 32.

In Malaysian Standard (MS 2610:2015) - Muslim friendly hospitality services -

Requirements said in clause 5.3.3 in the topic of product selection. This topic is about the
package that do not have in the Muslim Friendly Tourism package to reflect the Islamic values
experience. Under this clause (5.3.3.2), states that:

16
The product shall not include in the premises with the following core activities:

1. Pornography
2. Entertainment activities that are non-permissible according to Shariah;

Both of this activity can cause adultery activity into the premise and will make the
premise not follow the rules and regulation which has been set by shariah. Nowadays, this
adultery cases happened to teenagers, man and woman. Adultery is the social problem that
also happened in the previous time until today. The term of “adultery” has been turned into the
term that did not scare to people nowadays (Paizah Hj Ismail, 2013). Statistic taken out by
The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) recorded that a total of 577 cases of baby disposal for
2014 to 2018. This was cause by the adultery of unmarried teenager or couple (Berita Harian
Online, 28 Jun 2019).

5.1.4 Gambling

For Muslim, this activity is prohibited according to Al-Quran and Hadis. For premise
that allow this activity cannot be certified as Muslim-friendly Tourism (MFT). Gambling in
Arabic term is called al-maisir or al-khimar where Arabic people play betting game by using
arrows. Gambling also means betting on something by using any type of betting (Mufti Of
Federal Territory, 2019).

According to the Surah Al-Baqarah (2: 219):

According to Imam ibn Jarir al-Tabari, even though both (alcohol and gambling) of it
have benefit, the sins of this item are even greater than the benefit. This same goes for gambling
which is full of fun and also promises wealth (which is not yet certain), but gambling is the
cause of one cheating and oppressing others.

17
After that, came down a verse in Al-Quran (Surah Al-Maidah [5:90]) to strengthen the
prohibition of alcohol and gambling.

According to Imam Fakhruddin al-Razi in Mafatih al-Ghaib, when discussing the

wisdom of the prohibition and prohibition of gambling mention that the sins and evils of maysir
(gambling) and khimar (betting) is that it can lead to enmity, cursing and strife; as well as being
a form of taking another person's property in vain; in addition to neglecting human beings from
remembering Allah and performing prayers.

In Kuala Lumpur only until July 2017, according to estimates released by the Ministry
of Federal Territories, there are at least 3,000 online gambling premises (online) operating
around the city. This number is reported to have increased compared to 2016 which the total
of 615 gambling premises operating behind shop houses, internet centers and family
entertainment centres. (Berita Harian Online, 29 July 2017)

In the topic of product selection in Malaysian Standard (MS 2610:2015)- Muslim friendly
hospitality services - Requirements said in clause 5.3.3.

Under this clause (5.3.3.2), states that:

The product shall not include in the premises with the following core activities:

1. Gambling and Gaming

Any premises which do gambling or activity that have the same characteristic with it, do not
comply with this Malaysian Standard (MS 2610:2015) - Muslim friendly hospitality services -
Requirements, cannot be certified as place for Muslim Friendly Tourism (MFT).

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5.1.5 Prohibition of Women Travelling Alone

In Islam if there are no urgencies women aren’t allowed to travel alone. In hadith
Prophet Muhammad S.A.W said that:

From this hadith it’s very clear that Islam doesn’t allow its women to travel alone. But
according to Egyptian Islamic Advisory or dar al-ifta’ al-Misriyyah women are allowed to
travel alone with the following condition:

• It is permissible for a woman to travel without a mahram but on the condition that she
must her faith must be safe, in herself in her travels. And safe on the day she departs
until the day she arrives home.

And Mufti of Federal Territory in align with Egyptian Islamic Advisory but he extends as
follows:

• The women must get permission of her mahram and her wali.
• Destination that she is heading didn’t cause any fitnah, slander and did not cause any
harm.

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 6.0Conclusion and recommendation

Malaysia has successfully gone through recommendable experiences in promoting the

MFT, also engaging with several challenges including its shariah issues in developing the
industry. Understanding the concept of MFT practices in Malaysia is not complicated if the
people have the basic knowledge of Islamic teachings. The shariah issues of the MFT in
Malaysia are related to social interaction between opposing genders.

MFT in Malaysia has its own way promoting Islamic teachings without oppressing its
people. The shariah compliance applied towards the industry not only to cater the needs of
Muslims, but also to serve the non-Muslims community as well. Shariah guidelines applied
based on Malaysian Standard is parallel to the common moral values. In other words, it is not
only matter for Muslims, but non-Muslims also can relate to the issues. As we can see
through news report over the statistics of social problems in Malaysia, it involves both
Muslims and non-Muslims as the major contributors. Shariah compliance application not
only to fulfil God’s command, but to preserve the morality of human being and ensure
Malaysia as a better and safer travel destination.

Apart from the raised shariah issues, the Global Islamic Economy (GIE) Report have
proven that MFT in Malaysia still managed to develop Muslim-friendly ecosystem that meets
the requirements of Muslims travelers across the globe. MFT practices in Malaysia is not to
extremely enforce the locals and tourists under the shariah guidelines. It is a way to promotes
Islamic values which aligned to the Malaysian Standards and suits the definition and concept
of MFT.

As for recommendation, one way to boost the promotion of MFT in Malaysia is focus
on developing facilities and accommodations along with the integration and globalization of
the country. In general, technology advancement could be a promising outcome towards human
being if it is applied on the MFT in a positive way. Meanwhile other sector growth globally
with the help of modern technology might benefits tourism industry as well. It applies in three
main services such as hospitality, accommodation and F&B. Wang and Wang (2009) classify
that technological merger that benefit tourism industry usually includes interactive
reservation systems, guest-room innovations, data mining as well as yield management.

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7.0 Acknowledgement

By the name of Allah, the Most Gracious and Most Merciful. Thanks to Allah for
providing us good health in this pandemic and knowledge for us to accomplish this task. We
would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the parties involved in contributing
information. The accomplishment was from a cooperation from all of them. This task given is
under the subject of ISH551, Syariah Compliance Leisure Management.

First and foremost, we would like to address our sincere thankful towards our lecturer
Ustaz Ahmad Thaqif bin Ismail for his lectures, encouragements, tolerance and supports that
led to this study. He patiently guides the whole class by giving ideas and suggestions. As well
as sharing his knowledges and experiences in this study field to help students in their
coursework.

Also, thank you very much to MARA University of Technology (UiTM) and Academy
of Contemporary Islamic Studies (ACIS) for providing this opportunity and study platform
also for making this subject as part of the syllabus in Halal Industry Management program.

Finally, our sincere greatest gratitude towards all of the group members for being
cooperative in completing this assignment. Thank you for showing your passion and
dedication in assisting each other.

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 REFERENCES

Aziz, A. H. B. A. (2018). Muslim Friendly Tourism: Concept, Practices and Challenges In

Malaysia. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 8(11),
355-363.

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