PUTRAJAYA: The dream of performing umrah turned into a nightmare for Sahira Syarafana Shahidan, 26, from Baling, Kedah, after she lost her hard-earned savings in a scam by an umrah travel agency.
"I am heartbroken that the money I painstakingly saved from my small business over the years vanished in an instant," she said.
Sahira, who runs a fried chicken business in Baling, was among 26 victims stranded at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) last Thursday. The agency organising their umrah trip failed to provide flights, accommodation, or visas.
Many pilgrims view umrah as a chance to seek blessings and forgiveness, making it a deeply important spiritual journey.
Sahira had been drawn to a budget plan costing RM4,500, recommended by a friend. She booked the package for five people, totalling RM20,900, to take her husband, father-in-law, and two children on the pilgrimage.
After paying in instalments and settling the balance before the departure date, Sahira's excitement about visiting Makkah for the first time was shattered.
"Since the incident, I've felt a mix of anger and sadness, knowing I have to start from scratch to save money again, especially as my business is unstable and seasonal," she said.
Last Thursday, 26 umrah pilgrims were left stranded at KLIA when the operator failed to provide the necessary travel documents.
Several victims have since filed police reports, including Sahira, who reported the scam at the Baling police station. She hopes the individual involved will face justice and that her money will be refunded.
Meanwhile, Julia, 22, from Bentong, Pahang, shared her devastation. She had saved for two years to take her parents on umrah, only to realise at KLIA that their flight tickets and visas were fake.