KUALA LUMPUR – The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry is investigating dubious advertisements on umrah packages, as the pilgrimage has yet to be allowed for Malaysians due to the Covid-19 threat.
In a statement today, the ministry said licensed umrah operators are prohibited from taking payments for packages for the 1442 Hijri, and advised the public to be wary of offers made in suspect ads.
“Currently, the ministry still holds on to the policy of implementing the recovery movement control order, which prohibits overseas travel for non-essential activities, especially tourism. In this regard, the umrah pilgrimage, which comes under the Tourism Industry Act 1992, is also not allowed.
“Until this government policy is changed, any activity involving umrah is prohibited.”
The government, through the Foreign Ministry, has discussed with Saudi Arabia on efforts to revive the economy of both countries following the coronavirus outbreak, including umrah for Malaysians if the pilgrimage is allowed before a vaccine is made available.
In September, Saudi Arabia announced that it will start receiving pilgrims for umrah in stages with the necessary precautions in place, after suspending the issuance of umrah visas in February due to Covid-19. – Bernama, December 8, 2020
