Muslims urged to verify cheap badal haj offers as RM1,500 packages are unrealistic and pose high scam risks, says religious affairs minister.
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysian Muslims are being urged to exercise extreme caution over advertisements offering badal haj services for as low as RM1,500.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan (pic) warned such offers carry a high risk of fraud and may not fulfil the requirements for a valid pilgrimage.
He stated that commercial badal haj packages at such prices are unrealistic and do not reflect the actual costs set by Saudi Arabian authorities.
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“I advise Muslims in the country to verify the legitimacy of any badal haj offers widely advertised in suraus, mosques and on social media by travel agencies or individuals to avoid becoming victims of scams,” he said.
Zulkifli explained that badal haj services are difficult to carry out commercially as all pilgrims require a valid haj visa or special permit approved by the Saudi Haj and Umrah Ministry.
He noted that not all applications for these permits are approved by the Saudi authorities.
The minister revealed the minimum cost for a haj package for Saudi residents is about 10,000 riyals, equivalent to approximately RM11,300.
This cost only covers permits and tents at Masyair, excluding essential expenses like accommodation, food, and transport.
For the upcoming haj season 1447H/2026, Saudi authorities will continue strict enforcement against invalid travel documents.
Pilgrims found using invalid visas or permits face fines, imprisonment, and blacklisting from entering Saudi Arabia for several years.
The Malaysian government and Tabung Haji continue to remind the public to verify the legitimacy of all haj and badal haj packages.
Strict action will be taken against individuals or travel companies involved in providing fraudulent pilgrimage services.
Zulkifli advised the public to lodge police reports immediately if they suspect or become victims of fraud.
This enables investigations and legal action to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of the country’s tourism industry. – Bernama
