Kuala Lumpur: Police are in the process of identifying those responsible for an alleged haj package scam involving a group of elderly pilgrims who claimed they were confined against their will and forced to walk through dangerous routes in Saudi Arabia.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department acting director Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali stated that an investigation paper had been opened under Section 420 of the Penal Code. This follows three reports lodged by the victims' next of kin, two in Mantin, Negeri Sembilan, and one in Ayer Hitam, Johor.
Muhammed Hasbullah emphasized that it is too early to confirm a cross-border fraud. Authorities are currently gathering statements and evidence to ascertain whether the syndicate is operating with certain agents. The police are awaiting the return of the victims to record their statements and proceed with further action.
The police will also collaborate with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) to blacklist companies offering haj packages without approval. Muhammed Hasbullah stressed their commitment to taking firm action against those involved in such scams to protect the public from becoming victims.
Muhammed Hasbullah also expressed appreciation for the media's role in disseminating information and raising public awareness about the necessity of having an official haj visa to perform the pilgrimage.
A recent media report highlighted that 47 Malaysian pilgrims allegedly fell victim to a haj scam by a local agent involving a well-known religious figure. The daughter of one of the victims reported that her parents and aunt, who departed for Saudi Arabia with the agent on May 9, were forced to traverse perilous routes from Jeddah to Makkah without proper documents, food, or water to evade detection by Saudi authorities.
The pilgrims also claimed they were confined in a dark, cramped room and were asked to pay an additional RM9,000 to retrieve belongings left behind, despite having already paid RM30,000 for the haj package.