Johor govt pledges support after 47 Malaysian pilgrims fall for Haj scam
JOHOR BARU, June 15 — The Johor government today asked families of Malaysian pilgrims allegedly duped in a Haj travel scam to place full trust in the authorities as investigations continue.
Johor Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid said the state is ready to help resolve the case as well as educate the public to be more cautious.
'We are saddened that such scams involving the Haj continue to happen. What's more distressing is that the victims reportedly include elderly pilgrims and those in poor health.
'I am closely following the case and pray for the safety of the affected pilgrims,' he said in a statement.
He stressed that there are no shortcuts to fulfilling the Haj and advised Muslims to rely on the expertise and guidance of Tabung Haji as the official pilgrimage fund.
Yesterday, local media reported that 47 Malaysians were allegedly scammed by a local Haj agent, believed to be a well-known religious figure.
According to news reports, one victim's child said her parents and aunt departed for Saudi Arabia with the agent on May 9.
Upon arrival in Jeddah, the pilgrims were allegedly forced to walk to Mecca through dangerous routes without documents, due to Saudi Arabia's strict enforcement against those without valid Haj visas.
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