Airline compliant with Sharia law launched in Malaysia

An airline service fully compliant with the Sharia law has launched operations in Malaysia. The airline makes it mandatory for female Muslim crew to wear a hijab, while non-Muslims are required to wear a 'decent uniform'.

Rayani Airlines, a new low-cost airline, says it strictly follows Sharia rules 'based on guidelines by relevant authorities'.

Conforming to the Sharia law, the airline 'strictly prohibits' alcohol in flights and all the food items provided will be 'halal'. Prayers from the Holy Quran will also be recited before the departure of each flight.

Currently, the airline only provides domestic services, but its managing director Jaafar Zamhari said they are planning to expand the airline's network internationally over the next year.

Zamhari said services to West Asia and flights for the Haj pilgrimage have been planned.

Over 61 per cent of Malaysia's population is Muslim and, according to a recent research by Pew Research Centre, 86 per cent of them agreed that Sharia should be the official law of the land in their country.

Other airlines that comply with some Sharia laws include Emirates, which does not serve pork products on its flights, and Etihad, which has a travel prayer before take-off.