#SHOWBIZ: Amir of Ukays victim of haj fraud, lodges police report
KUALA LUMPUR: Singer Amir, from the legendary Malaysian pop-rock band Ukays, has spoken of his deep disappointment after becoming a victim of alleged fraud by a company that had offered to sponsor his haj pilgrimage.
Amir, whose full name is Mohd Azmir Muhammad Yusof, 56, expressed his sorrow, saying that after a long wait to fulfil the haj, it had ended in sadness.
He added that despite all his efforts coming to nothing after being deceived by those involved, he and his wife, Sarimah Ahmad, 51, still accepted the unfortunate turn of events.
The renowned singer of 'Di sana Menanti Di Sini Menunggu' was scheduled to depart for the holy land on June 1 with 77 other pilgrims.
He has now left the matter entirely to the authorities for investigation.
He also noted that the fraud case was already on the authorities' radar after a report was filed by the affected congregation.
"I was supposed to fly to Jeddah via Singapore Airlines last Sunday with my wife and other pilgrims after receiving sponsorship from a company," Amir explained.
"However, I have not yet departed for the holy land as it became clear that my flight visa had not been approved.
"Now, this has become a police case concerning the fraud. I have lodged a police report at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
"So, let the police investigate the case in more detail so we can uncover the truth.
"Honestly, I had such high hopes of performing the fifth pillar of Islam after all the preparations had been made," said Amir, visibly emotional when contacted.
Previously, Amir had expressed immense gratitude that his long-cherished dream of performing the haj with his wife was finally to be fulfilled after securing sponsorship.
The singer, who has released six albums featuring 60 songs, had even shed tears of joy when his and his wife's names were included among thousands of pilgrims approved for the holy journey.
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