Minister warns pilgrims to verify haj offers with Tabung Haji to avoid scams, as special task force strengthens enforcement against fraud.
SEPANG: Prospective pilgrims must verify any haj offers directly with Lembaga Tabung Haji before accepting them to avoid falling victim to scams.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar confirmed that no individual or company may manage haj matters without official authorisation from TH under the Tabung Haji Act 1995.
“I urge those intending to perform haj next year to confirm first,” he told reporters after attending the Haj Pilgrimage Organisers licence presentation ceremony for the 1447H season.
Mohd Na’im stressed that despite repeated warnings, unscrupulous individuals continue attempting to deceive people through unauthorised haj offers.
He added that TH will continue advising the public through various platforms including social media to prevent pilgrims from being defrauded.
The minister revealed that a special task force led by the Royal Malaysia Police has been established to strengthen enforcement against haj-related scams.
“TH and MOTAC are both involved, and this special committee will ensure that any company or individual attempting to commit fraud faces action,” he said.
Mohd Na’im confirmed the government takes haj fraud seriously and is reviewing measures to increase fines and impose harsher penalties.
“This includes ensuring that penalties imposed on irresponsible companies will be higher, but the final decision rests with the courts,” he said.
Earlier, Mohd Na’im presented PJH licences for the 1447H season to 31 out of 60 companies that applied.
He also urged all PJH companies to offer economy haj packages for the upcoming season at the same rate as the previous year below RM55,000. – Bernama
