TWO people bearing the titles of ‘Datuk’ have been detained in connection with an alleged scam involving fraudulent offers of free Hajj pilgrimage packages.
The suspects, a 36-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman, were arrested earlier this week and later released on police bail following the expiry of their remand.
According to Acting Director of the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department, Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali, the duo is being investigated under Sections 420 and 511 of the Penal Code, which pertain to cheating and attempted cheating.
The case surfaced during “Op Haji Terkandas,” a special operation launched by authorities after police were alerted to a group of would-be pilgrims stranded at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on Monday.
They were reportedly awaiting the arrival of one of the detained individuals, who had allegedly promised to hand over travel visas enabling their departure to Makkah.
“One of the victims lodged a police report stating that he and his wife had handed over their passports to two individuals offering the complimentary Hajj package,” said Muhammed Hasbullah in a statement released Thursday.
The victim had been assured that he would depart for Makkah on 1 June 2025. However, by 3 June, there had been no confirmation of travel arrangements from the purported travel agency.
Investigators believe the scam was perpetrated under the guise of an official Hajj travel operator, with victims told that the trip was organised by a company registered as an authorised pilgrimage organiser (Pengelola Jemaah Haji or PJH) for the current Hajj season.
“So far, seven police reports have been filed concerning the alleged scam involving the same company,” Muhammed Hasbullah added. “However, no financial losses have been reported, as the packages were marketed as being free of charge.”
Authorities continue to investigate the extent of the deception and have not ruled out further arrests or additional charges as the inquiry progresses. - June 5, 2025
