Bukit Aman: Reduction in Mujamalah visas may see rise in fraudulent haj packages
KUALA LUMPUR: Federal police in Bukit Aman anticipate a surge in fraudulent Haj packages following the government's move to tighten the issuance of Mujamalah visas this season.
Commercial Crime Investigation Department Acting Director Datuk Muhammad Hasbullah Ali said his department had received one report related to the scam, resulting in a loss of RM71,000.
"This year, the government has reduced the issuance of Mujamalah visas for Malaysians to perform haj. The issuance of permits has subsequently become very strict.
"However, we believe that due to this situation, there will be attempts by scammers to offer packages to deceive victims.
"This haj season, a victim who wanted to perform the haj filed a report after being cheated," he told reporters here today.
Hasbullah said that although the number of victims was decreasing, the number of fraudulent offers for such haj packages was on the rise.
In 2023, a total of 11 cases of haj package fraud were recorded, with total losses reaching RM649,631.
"Although the number of cases decreased to only four in 2024, the losses were reported to have increased significantly to RM874,100," he said.
He said that starting in 2024, a special task force to address the issue of stranded haj pilgrims was established to coordinate investigations, manage documentation, and arrest individuals or company owners suspected of being involved in offering fake haj packages.
He said that this effort was carried out with the collaboration of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Lembaga Tabung Haji.
He advised the public to be careful with the offers by checking the registration status of the company or agent.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Panic over bogus audit call leaves woman RM108,520 poorer
TANGKAK: A 58-year-old woman became RM108,000 poorer after she was duped by scammers posing as officers from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the police. The victim received a phone call on May 9 from an individual who claimed she was under investigation for her involvement in a non-existent investment and loan fraud scheme. District police chief Superintendent Roslan Mohd Talib said the caller's convincing impersonation triggered panic, prompting the victim to comply with instructions to "cooperate" by transferring funds from her bank accounts for audit purposes. "She was told her bank account was being investigated and needed to be audited. "She was then instructed to transfer all her savings to two third-party accounts," he said in a statement today. Roslan said the victim made 16 transactions amounting to RM108,520. She lodged a police report yesterday after attempts to contact the bogus officers failed. Roslan urged the public to remain vigilant and verify any suspicious calls claiming to be from enforcement or government agencies. "Do not panic. Always cross-check through official sources before taking action. Scammers rely on fear and urgency to manipulate victims," he added. He also encouraged the public to stay updated on scam tactics via the Commercial Crime Investigation Department's social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Those who believe they have been scammed are advised to immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) via the 997 hotline to initiate prompt action to freeze fraudulent accounts.
The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Woman charged with abusing niece
CHUKAI: A restaurant operator was charged in the Sessions Court here with abusing her cousin's daughter. The 52-year-old woman pleaded not guilty after the charge was read before Sessions Court judge Wan Suhaila Mohd. According to the charge, the woman, who had custody of the 15-year-old girl, is alleged to have neglected and caused physical injuries to the teenager. The offence was allegedly committed at 5.30pm at a restaurant in Binjai near here between March and May 22, Bernama reported. She was charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which provides a fine of up to RM50,000, a jail term of up to 20 years, or both upon conviction.
Malaysiakini
8 hours ago
- Malaysiakini
Zafrul wants to join PKR
Good morning. Here's what you should know today. Key Highlights Zafrul wants to join PKR Sabah graft cover-up 'perception' Hannah beats Kamarul in court Zafrul wants to join PKR Local politics were delivered another shock on Friday when Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz quit Umno. With just six months remaining on his senator tenure, Zafrul wants to join PKR. Umno is not happy, especially since Zafrul did not relinquish his minister post and is demanding that this be rectified. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, however, appears keen to keep Zafrul in cabinet. HIGHLIGHTS Sabah graft cover-up 'perception' Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim denies any attempts to cover up the Sabah corruption scandal involving videos of assemblypersons talking about taking bribes. He said the cover-up allegations were just "perception". Instead, he said the MACC was just being thorough in doing its job. He also said that the prime minister should not be investigator, prosecutor, and executioner - because that is a dictator's job. HIGHLIGHTS Hannah beats Kamarul in court The High Court found Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) lecturer Kamarul Zaman Yusoff guilty of defaming Hannah Yeoh for claiming she wanted to turn Malaysia into a Christian nation. The judge found that Kamarul had failed to establish a defence of justification and fair comment. However, no apology was ordered as the judge deemed it would be insincere. Kamarul was ordered to pay Yeoh RM400,000 in damages, as well as RM80,000 in costs. He will be appealing the outcome. HIGHLIGHTS Views that matter In case you missed it Other news that matter
