MAKKAH – Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) has nothing to do with the furada visa or cartel issue, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Datuk Idris Ahmad.
He said TH should not be blamed because the agency has always followed the laws and maintained Malaysia’s good name, and prioritised the welfare of pilgrims at all times.
Idris also said that to prove TH had not committed any offence, his office was ready to be investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) at any time.
“Whenever haj season arrives, irresponsible parties will try to take advantage. We do not want TH to get the blame when something like this happens. The management of haj licences for haj pilgrimage operators also requires strict conditions.
“TH will scrutinise all companies applying for licences. Hence, there is no question of cartels. We are ready if the MACC wants to investigate. We will open the office for 24 hours a day to look into the cartel issue,” he told reporters here today.
Idris said TH was constantly monitoring the companies registered as operators to ensure they were eligible, had a good reputation throughout the year, and were financially sound.
He added that he did not want the incident that happened to 380 prospective pilgrims recently to recur, as the public had been given a warning about the risks of performing haj using furada visas.
“Such incidents should not have happened as other countries have praised our country. The community has also praised the services provided by TH. Don’t let anyone slander and fabricate stories. There may be some weaknesses in TH (in terms of operations), but don’t try to put the blame on TH,” he said.
Apart from that, Idris said that when he returns to the country, his department will hold a meeting with the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry to discuss the issue of performing haj and umrah using furada visas as well as strategies to implement stricter monitoring.
He also advised people interested in performing haj and umrah to be vigilant, including with the selection of travel agencies, because private haj packages are not cheap.
“Do make sure the agent selected has a good and reliable track record. If necessary, go visit the office and see their operations for yourself. Don’t just focus on attractive prices and deals over the phone only, even if the one recommending it is your good friend.
“The same goes for badal haji (haj by proxy). We need to understand that the haj conditions for Saudis themselves are strict, and they need to take packages with a minimum price of RM12,000. Hence, if there is an offer of badal haji that is too low, do not rush, check first on who will perform this haj,” he said.
Any travel company can apply to become a licensed haj operator, the selection of which is done annually after the prescribed conditions are fulfilled, including experience in conducting umrah for three consecutive years, and a record of Bank Negara Malaysia through the Central Credit Reference Information System. – Bernama, July 13, 2022
