By: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
IPOH — The Perak Association of Umrah, Hajj and Ziarah Operators (PUHAZ) has warned that the umrah industry is facing a surge in fraudulent package offers, resulting in losses of thousands of ringgit and hundreds of pilgrims stranded at airports.
Its chairman, Abdul Jabbar Abdul Mohammed Kahar, said the situation has prompted PUHAZ to launch the Awareness Campaign to Avoid Fraudulent Travel and Umrah Packages, aimed at strengthening pilgrim protection ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
“Most victims were deceived by social media advertisements, especially on TikTok, claiming pilgrims could perform umrah for as low as RM3,000 to RM3,900.
“Such prices are a major red flag. Airfare alone costs nearly RM3,000. How can a full package be offered at that price? Many fall for misleading influencers and unofficial ads,” he said at a press conference held in conjunction with the 2025 PUHAZ Annual General Meeting here today.
He said scams also occur when pilgrims follow individuals or unlicensed companies that use tourist visas to enter Saudi Arabia, resulting in some being barred from departure, unable to enter Mecca, or left stranded at airports.
“There are eight key warning signs of umrah scams that pilgrims must verify before making any payment.
Among them are ensuring the agency is licensed under MOTAC, having confirmed return flight tickets, and possessing valid visas, whether for umrah or tourism, depending on current regulations.
“Pilgrims must also ensure that the type of hotel, location, and accommodation category are clearly stated, in addition to the meals included in the package.
“They should check the full itinerary, ensure travel insurance is provided, and verify that all biometric documents are valid and completed in Malaysia,” he said.
He added that 45 companies registered under PUHAZ have established ties with muassasah and hotel leases, enabling them to offer stable pricing and manage pilgrims more efficiently.
“Many cases of stranded pilgrims occurred when participants booked their own accommodation through apps like Agoda or Booking.com, which cannot accommodate large group arrangements.
“At the same time, Saudi Arabia has tightened regulations, requiring all matters from A to Z — including flights, visas, hotels, and transportation — to be handled through the country’s official system.
“Check, verify, and ensure the agency is registered. Performing umrah is not just a trip — it is a trust,” he said.
