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Tourism Ministry yet to receive reports of fraudulent haj by proxy deals

PUTRAJAYA: The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry has not received any reports on fraudulent haj packages by proxy (badal haji) services involving haj and umrah travel agencies so far, said minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

However, Nancy said the ministry always monitors all registered haj and umrah travel agencies and will take appropriate action including revoking licences if fraudulent activities were found.

"Thus far, there have been no reports (of fraud). We have heard (about cases of fraud), but we will continue to monitor," she said after the 2022 Industry Lead Body for Arts and Culture Convocation ceremony here today.

A total of 333 arts and culture graduates covering the fields of dance, theatre, music and stage management received the Malaysian Skills Certificate from Nancy.

Nancy was commenting on media reports on haj and umrah travel agencies which were detected offering haj by proxy services with payment packages ranging from as low as RM1,700 to RM3,000 per person.

The attractive offer was deemed dubious and did not match some of the rules set by the Saudi Arabian government at this time.

Haj by proxy is the act of performing haj rituals on behalf of someone who is unable to perform haj themselves.

Lembaga Tabung Haji operations director (Guidance) Tengku Aziz Raja Abdullah was reported to have said that those interested in haj by proxy services were advised to identify the performer's identity and not just pay without checking because there are certain conditions set and it cannot be performed by just anyone. – Bernama

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