The Malaysian Association of Travel and Tourism Agents (MATTA) is taking the issue of booking hajj packages by a number of pilgrims who do not go through the Hajj Organizer (PJH) registered with Tabung Haji (TH) resulting in 380 pilgrims stranded at the new KLIA seriously.
MATTA President, Datuk Tan Kok Liang said, this matter will continue to recur if no firm action is taken by the enforcement officers responsible for the ongoing periodic monitoring.
According to Tan, the ‘Tabung Haji Act 1995, Section 27 and Section 34, stipulates that only TH is qualified to issue a valid Hajj license to all the pilgrims involved where it has been approved by Saudi Arabia. If there are travel agencies or individuals managing pilgrims without a valid license and found guilty, a fine of not less than RM100,000 or imprisonment not exceeding one year or both will be imposed. ‘
MATTA also urged the government to revise the Tabung Haji Act 1995, to allow or open more quotas for other tourism agencies under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) to also be allowed to manage pilgrims. Apart from that, Lembaga Tabung Haji also needs to increase the enforcement and periodic inspection of hajj packages in accordance with the Tabung Haji Act 1995 which has been set.
Malaysia is the only country where only one government agency is allowed to manage pilgrims. The waiting queue to perform Hajj through Lembaga Tabung Haji is too long and should be reviewed.
The community in particular needs to be more careful and wise in making assessments when choosing to book and purchase hajj or umrah packages to avoid problems in fraud syndicates by irresponsible travel agencies.
The community should also be given awareness to only book Hajj and Umrah packages through PJH and also legitimate travel agents who have registered as MATTA members. With this, at the same time, it is easier for MATTA to regulate the members under MATTA in providing comprehensive assistance in the event of something undesirable happening.
“As a national tourism association, MATTA will always work with the authorities in curbing cases of pilgrimage fraud. In fact, MATTA will also list MATTA members and travel agents who are legally registered with PJH to make it easier for the community to make references in booking hajj packages in the future,” added Tan.
