MADINAH: Malaysia risks losing the special privileges granted by the Saudi Arabian government if people continue to violate the laws and regulations set by the country, including using tourist visas to perform Haj.
Tabung Haji haj delegation head Datuk Seri Syed Salleh Syed Abdul Rahman said that he hopes Malaysians will not misuse the tourist visa to perform Haj, as it will tarnish Malaysia's image as a country that respects rules and regulations.
"So far, Malaysians have been given the privilege to perform the umrah using tourist visas. I advise Malaysians to always adhere to and follow the regulations set by the Saudi Arabian government," he said.
Syed Salleh, who is also Tabung Haji's haj executive director, said this when asked to comment on the 300 pilgrims stranded in Makkah after being duped by cheap Haj packages offered by irresponsible travel agencies.
According to Syed Salleh, it is clear that those coming from outside the Arab peninsula need a haj visa, while locals and residents need a haj permit to perform the haj. Other types of visas are not valid for performing the haj.
"Tourist visas, umrah visas, business visas, student visas and the like are all not allowed for haj except for the haj visa, which is the official visa for each country or the 'mujamalah' (special consideration) issued only to perform the haj," he added.
The Saudi Arabian government is said to have started setting up roadblocks and monitoring specific routes to ensure that only those with a valid haj visa can enter the pilgrimage areas, especially in Makkah.
"I want to emphasise that we have received several reports from the Saudi Arabian government that they have already started arresting agencies that try to offer haj services to those who come on tourist visas or umrah visas," he added.
"Previously, the Saudi Arabian government had already announced the enforcement of a 10,000 riyal (RM12,655) penalty on anyone violating the rules and instructions during the haj season, including entering the seven pilgrimage areas without a valid haj visa," he said.
Agencies making false promises will face a fine of 50,000 riyals and imprisonment if convicted.
He advised those who had come using a tourist visa to leave Saudi Arabia before the 29th of Zulqaedah 1445 (the month of haj in the Islamic calendar), which is this Friday (May 17).