Compliance with the Malaysian standard for Muslim- friendly hospitality Services (MS 2610:2015) requirements: a comparative study between selected Islamic Quality Standard (IQS) awarded hotels in Malaysia / Nor Syahirah Amer Nordin

Malaysia as one of the preferred tourist destinations for Muslim tourists has
established a standard named MS 2610:2015 Muslim-friendly hospitality services –
Requirements. Previously in 2012, an industrial driven, Islamic Quality Standard
(IQS) for Hotel was introduced by a private company, UCSC. Both of the standards
have been developed to ensure the quality of tourism products and services provided
for Muslim travellers is in line within the parameter of Shariah principles. Therefore,
this study provides first, an analysis of both of the standard requirements and
guidelines. Second, comparisons on both of the standards are made and both have
similarities and differences between each other. Third, the study aims for evaluation of
the compliance of the IQS awarded hotels with the MS 2610:2015.In achieving these,
the study adopts a qualitative method and employs library research, interviews and
observations for its data collection. The finding indicates that both standards have the
general and detailed requirements including the facilities, services, and personnel.
However, few loopholes in both of the standards are discussed and improvements are
suggested. In addition, comparisons both of the standards are made to further elucidate
the similarities, differences, strengths and weaknesses both of the standard.
Furthermore, the finding of the evaluation conducted in this study found that the
selected IQS awarded hotels comply with MS 2610:2015. These findings have led to
the conclusion that, the hotels that awarded with IQS for Hotel have high chances to
be certified with MS 2610:2015. Besides, few recommendations have also been
suggested especially for the related Malaysian Authorities, UCSC and hoteliers in
improving the current situation.