KUALA LUMPUR: Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) has reminded Malaysian Muslims to be wary of any Haj package offers from irresponsible parties using invalid visas.
TH group managing director and chief executive officer Syed Hamadah Syed Othman said that the issuance of Haj visas outside of Malaysia's official quota is the absolute right of the Saudi Arabia's government.
"Permission to enter the areas of Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Masyair) for the Haj pilgrimage is only granted to pilgrims with valid Haj visas.
"Other visas for purposes such as tourism, employment, business, education, and umrah will not be allowed by the Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah," he said in a statement today.
Syed Hamadah added that during every Haj season, there are parties attempting to offer visas and Haj packages outside of Malaysia's quota.
"Therefore, it is crucial for the public to carefully scrutinise each offer in advance, including the type of visa being used."
He noted that the Saudi Arabian government is actively introducing various initiatives to enhance the efficiency of Haj season procedures for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage and the safety of pilgrims worldwide.
"They will implement stricter security measures during the peak of Haj with a more efficient pilgrim verification system by checking every pilgrim entering the Masyair area.
"Any use of invalid visas will result in legal action according to local government's laws, with penalties of up to SAR10,000," he added.
Syed Hamadah emphasised that prospective pilgrims must be cautious and choose Haj package services provided by the 25 licensed Registered Hajj Pilgrimage Operators (PJH) accredited by TH for this Haj session.
He reiterated that any individual or travel agency offering Haj package services without a licence from TH is committing an offense and may be subject to legal action under the Tabung Haji Act 1995 (Act 535).