PUTRAJAYA: As many as 150 victims of umrah package fraud, organised by a local tour company, once again urged the authorities to take firm action, including prosecuting the company for criminal offences.
Representing the victims, Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) secretary-general, Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim, said that a police report had been lodged, and the same case, which occurred in March this year, had been referred to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
The case, involving a total loss of more than RM1 million, was also referred to the Consumer Claims Tribunal, which ultimately ruled in favour of the victims and ordered the company to provide compensation.
“However, the company is still refusing to comply with the award order issued by the Consumer Claims Tribunal, and we urge the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to take action,” he said.
He said this when met at the KPDN building, where he, as the victims’ representative, submitted a letter of complaint for further action.
It is understood that all the victims had made payments for the umrah package to the company, but on the departure dates, the victims were informed that the flights were cancelled for various reasons.
Victims also claimed that they were given various promises that the money would be returned; some were also promised other flight schedules but ended up being deceived, and some were also given post-dated cheques which ended up not being paid.–Bernama
