THE Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, has described the use of tourist visas for fraudulent hajj packages as a grave crime, warranting stern action under both civil and Islamic law.
His statement comes in response to a royal decree issued by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who expressed dismay and deep concern over the rising number of such cases, particularly among Selangor residents who found themselves stranded at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
“That royal address reflects His Majesty’s compassion as a ruler who genuinely cares for the welfare of Muslims, especially in matters of pilgrimage,” said Mohd Na’im on Saturday.
“I fully support His Majesty’s call for strict measures to be taken against any individual or travel company involved in such deceit.
“Defrauding people in the name of religion and the sacred act of hajj is not only a criminal act under the law but a major sin under Islamic teachings, as it mocks the sanctity of worship and endangers the safety of pilgrims,” he said in a written statement.
Media reports on 3 June revealed that approximately 80 prospective hajj pilgrims were stranded at KLIA after being discovered to be travelling with tourist visas instead of proper hajj documentation.
According to Dang Wangi District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman, seven police reports have been lodged by affected individuals. Two suspects, aged 36 and 39, were detained for questioning and later released on bail.
Mohd Na’im praised the proactive response of the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS), which urged victims to lodge reports with the authorities and advised the public to deal only with licensed agents or use official channels such as Lembaga Tabung Haji.
“Muslims are strongly reminded to be vigilant against suspicious hajj package offers, especially those involving tourist visas.
“They are advised to verify the background of travel companies or agents through official platforms such as Tabung Haji and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC).
“If any elements of fraud or misconduct in hajj arrangements are detected, the public should immediately report the matter to the authorities,” he added.
Mohd Na’im stressed that his department would continue working closely with relevant agencies including Tabung Haji, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), MOTAC, and all State Islamic Religious Councils to combat such fraud comprehensively.
“May all these efforts serve to protect the sanctity of the hajj and ensure Muslims are able to perform the pilgrimage safely, lawfully and with Allah’s blessings,” he said.
Yesterday, His Majesty Sultan Sharafuddin, in an official statement via the Selangor Royal Office, had voiced his disappointment over the exploitation of Muslims by fellow Muslims in such fraudulent schemes.
“What is even more disheartening is that these exploiters are Muslims themselves, who have no qualms about deceiving their brethren for personal gain,” His Majesty said.
The Sultan called for firm legal action against any individual or company offering illegitimate hajj packages and urged Muslims to preserve the purity of the pilgrimage by only engaging licensed and recognised agents.
His Majesty also offered prayers for the safety and well-being of Malaysian pilgrims currently in the Holy Land and conveyed Hari Raya Aidiladha greetings alongside Her Royal Highness Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin.
“In conjunction with this Aidiladha, may all Muslims give thanks for Allah’s blessings, perform the sacrificial rites to aid the needy, and reflect on the condition of those less fortunate,” he said. - June 8, 2025
