Kuala Lumpur: Individuals who have been victims of haj fraud are being encouraged to come forward and file official complaints with Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) to enable prompt investigations. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, emphasized the importance of lodging reports to facilitate thorough investigations, allowing the Attorney General’s Chambers to pursue legal action under Section 27 of the Tabung Haji Act 1995 against those involved.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Mohd Na’im also urged victims to file police reports to initiate investigations into parties that offered unfulfilled haj packages, with the collected funds remaining unaccounted for. This statement was made after he officiated the PPZ-MAIWP 2024 Zakat Collection Agent appreciation ceremony.

Dr Mohd Na’im highlighted the ministry’s efforts to combat haj fraud, including issuing at least ten media statements each haj season to warn the public to stay vigilant and avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes. He expressed regret over the exploitation of religious figures’ credibility by certain parties to promote their haj packages.

He remarked on the misuse of religion and individuals perceived as religious to deceive others, asserting that religion should not be a tool for fraud. Dr Mohd Na’im also cautioned religious figures against involvement in such practices and encouraged them to support the government and Lembaga Tabung Haji in fostering an ethical and law-abiding Muslim society.

Earlier media reports on June 14 revealed that 47 Malaysian pilgrims were allegedly scammed in a scheme linked to a notable religious figure.