THE Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry warned that travel agencies found misusing tourist and umrah visas for haj purposes will immediately have their licences revoked.
Its minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said they had received information about prospective haj pilgrims being stranded in Mecca and he had since instructed ministry secretary-general Datuk Roslan Abdul Rahman to investigate.
“We received reports that the pilgrims were allegedly deceived by cheap haj packages offered by an irresponsible travel agency.
“Tourism Malaysia is currently probing into the matter and we are waiting for a report from them.
“If necessary, we will dispatch officials from our headquarters. Any party found guilty of misusing tourist and umrah visas for haj purposes will immediately have their licence revoked,” he said in a statement.
It was earlier reported that about 300 prospective haj pilgrims from Malaysia were stranded in Mecca. They are believed to have been scammed by a tour agency offering cheap packages using tourist visas. Initial findings suggested that the affected pilgrims were informed that their tourist visas could not be converted to umrah or haj visas.
“This is an irresponsible act by either a tour agency or some individuals who have breached pilgrims’ trust by providing inaccurate information.
“Such actions not only violate the regulations set by the authorities but also jeopardise the safety and interests of pilgrims in Saudi Arabia,” said Tiong.
He said the Saudi government only recognises haj permits issued by accredited institutions for each country, such as Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH). He urged stranded pilgrims to report to TH and the Malaysian embassy in Jeddah for assistance and advice. – May 18, 2024
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