Saudi lets off 47 unauthorised M'sian pilgrims with warning, says Religious Affairs Minister
KUALA LUMPUR: The 47 Malaysian pilgrims who violated haj permit regulations after being duped by a local agent were only given a warning by the Saudi Arabian government, says Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar.
The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) said the pilgrims' release was due to the consistent discipline and good track record shown by Malaysian haj pilgrims in the Holy Land.
"Our number (of pilgrims involved) is small compared to other countries, and Malaysia has always maintained a good track record.
"Based on the information I have, there were no fines imposed, meaning the Saudi government has given them a chance and only issued a warning," he told reporters.
He was speaking at the PPZ-MAIWP Kasih Medik programme, which involved a financial aid contribution for patient transportation at the Batu Muda MAIWP-PICOMS Hemodialysis Centre here Thursday (June 19).
Mohd Na'im noted that Malaysia continues to enjoy various privileges and relaxations from the Saudi government, including the early issuance of the Nusuk card - a facility not extended to pilgrims from other countries.
"That is why I urge everyone not to let one mistake jeopardise future privileges for other Malaysian pilgrims," he said.
Mohd Na'im also advised Malaysians to learn from this incident and to only use official channels when performing the haj.
The media previously reported that the pilgrimage of 47 senior citizens turned into an ordeal after they were duped by a local agent, forcing them to take risky routes to reach Makkah from Jeddah due to Saudi Arabia's strict enforcement against unauthorised haj pilgrims.
In April, the Saudi Ministry of Interior announced penalties for individuals and parties violating haj permit regulations, including a 10-year entry ban into the kingdom. - Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
3 hours ago
- Barnama
Vista Unveils Ultra-High-Net-Worth Travel Trends: Singapore Ascends As Southeast Asia's Premier Destination
Singapore, Thursday, 20 June (Bernama) -- Vista, the world's leading private aviation group and parent company of VistaJet and XO, hosted a panel discussion on Ultra-High-Net-Worth Trends in Singapore, bringing together influential voices from across its partner network within the city's luxury ecosystem. The invitation-only event explored the evolving trends of luxury among Southeast Asia's ultra-high-net-worth-individuals (UHNWIs) whose lifestyle choices are increasingly driven by meaning, mobility, and long-term value. Held against the backdrop of rising demand for premium experiences and increased regional UHNWI mobility, the panel featured insights from:
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Nationwide clampdown begins on illegal tourism players
PETALING JAYA: Enforcement against illegal tourism businesses is being ramped up ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 to ensure they all operate within the law. Inspections are being conducted, both proactively and based on public complaints, in line with the Tourism Industry Act 1992 and the Tourism Vehicles Licensing Act 1999. 'When violations are identified, formal inspection notices are issued in accordance with existing procedures,' the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry said in a statement. The action comes after a court in Penang convicted Renewage Group Sdn Bhd for operating without a valid tourism licence on June 16. The company was fined RM30,000. The ministry said nationwide integrated operations were being carried out with other enforcement and regulatory agencies to safeguard visitors and uphold industry standards. Five travel agencies have had their licences revoked between 2024 and 2025 for regulation breaches. These unlicensed operators pose a serious threat to the industry by undercutting legitimate businesses, said Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents president Nigel Wong. 'These illegal players don't need offices, don't pay for licences or insurance, and can therefore offer cheaper rates. But this leaves consumers exposed to fraud and without legal protection if things go wrong, such as trip cancellations or accidents,' he said. Wong urged tourism stakeholders to work only with licensed guides, travel agencies and transport providers and not fall prey to cheats on social media. 'Social media is now a key channel for unlicensed players. We're seeing issues in places like Langkawi and other entry points, where unauthorised individuals and even foreigners are acting as tour guides,' he said, adding that there is a need for more enforcement. Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association president Mint Leong echoed the call for stronger action, noting that unlicensed operators can also damage Malaysia's image. 'Illegal tourism businesses pose real risks to safety and credibility,' she said. Leong said the booming demand for travel both inbound and outbound has fuelled misuse. 'Anyone can upload beautiful pictures on social media and attract customers. But many of these 'too good to be true' offers are traps,' she said. 'When an operator is caught, it should be made public. Let people see that enforcement is happening – it sends a message and helps prevent more victims.' Malaysian Women Tourist Guide Association president Erina Loo, meanwhile, urged both local and foreign visitors to verify tour operators through official channels. 'All licensed agencies, guides, homestay providers and operators are listed on the ministry's official website,' she said. For foreign visitors, Loo advised contacting Tourism Malaysia's overseas offices or Malaysian embassies. She also cautioned independent travellers to do their homework before hiring guides, adding that there were legal limits for licensed tour guides too. 'A licensed guide may lead a tour but cannot sell or advertise tour packages,' she said.
New Straits Times
12 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Tour bus crash on NSE: 36 tourists, driver escape unhurt
Tour bus crash on NSE: 36 tourists, driver escape unhurt Bernama IPOH: Thirty-six Indian nationals and a local driver escaped unhurt after the tour bus they were travelling in skidded and crashed at Km396.2 of the North-South Expressway (NSE) northbound near Muallim this afternoon. Muallim police chief Superintendent Mohd Hasni Mohd Nasir said the incident occurred at 3.39pm, and all victims, including the 41-year-old driver, escaped without any injuries. According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the bus was en route from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh when it lost control and veered to the right side of the road. "The bus then crashed into the central divider before ending up in a drain on the right side of the highway," he said when contacted today. He said the tour bus was carrying 32 men and four women, all Indian nationals, who were believed to be travelling from Hotel Regalia in Kuala Lumpur to Hotel Weil in Ipoh. "All passengers were transferred to a replacement bus to continue their journey to their respective destinations," he said. Meanwhile, through a post on X, Plus Malaysia Berhad reported that the crash site was cleared by 6.50pm, after which traffic returned to normal. – BERNAMA
