Kuala Lumpur:The 5th Hajj, Umrah and Tourism Carnival (KHUP5) serves a crucial role in raising public awareness to prevent scams associated with unlicensed hajj and umrah packages, according to Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr. Zulkifli Hasan.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Zulkifli emphasized that the carnival is not only a venue for promoting Syariah-compliant pilgrimage packages but also functions as a comprehensive platform to educate potential pilgrims. The goal is to help them make informed decisions and ensure they only engage with recognized companies.

Authorities have identified several suspicious package offers in the market, including those related to 'badal haji' or hajj by proxy. Dr. Zulkifli noted that previously, these packages were offered at unrealistically low prices ranging from RM2,500 to RM5,000. Following warnings about such low costs being implausible, a new trend of excessively priced packages emerged. Continuous monitoring and preventive measures are being implemented to avert potential fraud.

The carnival, organized by Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) in conjunction with the Malaysian Bumiputera Tour Operators Association (BUMITRA), attracted over 16,000 visitors and featured 34 licensed Hajj Pilgrimage Operators (PJH) for the 1448H hajj season.

Dr. Zulkifli also mentioned the government's collaboration with enforcement agencies like the Royal Malaysia Police and the Department of Wakaf, Zakat and Hajj to strengthen the 'No Visa, No Hajj' campaign. He reminded the public that the National Hajj Muzakarah has ruled performing the hajj without a valid permit or visa is sinful under Islamic law, even though the pilgrimage itself remains valid.

He advised those holding mujamalah or furada (courtesy) hajj visas to utilize the services of the 34 TH-licensed PJH companies for their welfare and safety during the pilgrimage.

Highlighting past achievements, Dr. Zulkifli noted that Malaysia recorded zero hajj scam cases last season (1445H) and retained the Saudi Arabian government's Labbaytukum Diamond Award for the world's best hajj management.

He further suggested that PJH companies include the Maqasid fil Manasik (Objectives of Hajj) module, which covers spiritual, intellectual, economic, civilisational, and civic aspects, in their pilgrim preparation courses.