Police receive 3 reports over alleged confinement of haj pilgrims
KUALA LUMPUR: Police have received three reports in connection with a fraudulent haj package involving a group of senior citizens who were allegedly confined and forced to traverse dangerous routes in Saudi Arabia.
Federal police Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) acting director Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali said the reports were lodged by family members of the pilgrims who are still in Malaysia.
He said two of the reports were made in Mantin, Negri Sembilan and one in Ayer Hitam, Johor.
"The CCID is taking this matter seriously and the investigation covers various elements. At this point, it is still too early to confirm the presence of cross-border fraud.
"Statements and evidence are being collected to determine whether a syndicate was working with specific agents," he said in a statement.
Hasbullah added that police are still awaiting the return of the victims before recording their statements and taking further action.
"In response to the three police reports, the CCID has opened an investigation paper under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, to facilitate evidence gathering and further investigation.
"The probe is still at an early stage to identify any individuals or local agencies acting as facilitators or intermediaries in offering haj packages," he said.
He added that the CCID will work with the Companies Commission of Malaysia, Lembaga Tabung Haji and the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry to blacklist companies offering unapproved packages.
"This step is vital to protect the public from becoming victims of fraud," he said.
He also advised the public to always verify offers with authorised agencies before accepting any haj-related promotions.
"The CCID appreciates media cooperation in disseminating information to the public that only individuals with a haj visa are permitted by Saudi authorities to perform the pilgrimage.
"We are committed to taking firm action against any party found to have deceived pilgrims," he said.
It was reported that the journey of 47 senior citizens intending to perform the haj turned into a nightmare after being deceived by a local agent, allegedly involving a well-known religious figure.
The pilgrims, misled by promises made to them, claimed they were forced to walk across dangerous routes without documentation to reach Makkah after arriving in Jeddah, due to the strict control by Saudi authorities over pilgrims without haj visas.
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