Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) has suspended the licence of umrah travel company Hejira Travel and Tours Holding Sdn Bhd following complaints about the cancellation of a flight that affected more than 300 umrah pilgrims on Jan 14.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, preliminary investigations by MOTAC found that the company had violated the Tourism Industry Act 1992 [Act 482]. So far, MOTAC has received eight complaints against the company, with total reported losses amounting to RM180,116.

During the suspension period, Hejira Travel and Tours is required to honor all existing bookings that have been made or paid for. Additionally, the company is prohibited from conducting any new transactions, including promoting or selling travel packages. It is also required to immediately refund payments and return any documents belonging to pilgrims who choose to cancel their bookings.

Further investigations under Act 482 are ongoing, particularly concerning material changes in the umrah packages offered by the company. MOTAC disclosed that the company had been fined twice in the past.

The ministry has reminded travel agencies to operate responsibly and adhere to all regulations, warning that strict action will be taken against those who fail to comply and cause losses to customers.