Kuala Lumpur: The 47 Malaysian pilgrims who violated the haj permit regulation after being duped by a local agent were only given a warning by the Saudi Arabian government. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar stated that this leniency was due to the consistent discipline and good track record demonstrated by Malaysian haj pilgrims in the Holy Land.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Mohd Na’im highlighted that the number of Malaysian pilgrims involved was relatively small compared to other nations, allowing Malaysia to maintain its positive reputation. “Based on the information I have, there were no fines imposed, meaning the Saudi government has given them a chance and only issued a warning,” he mentioned to reporters.

Dr Mohd Na’im was speaking at the PPZ-MAIWP Kasih Medik programme, which involved a financial aid contribution for patient transportation at the Batu Muda MAIWP-PICOMS Hemodialysis Centre. He emphasized that Malaysia continues to enjoy various privileges and relaxations from the Saudi government, including the early issuance of the Nusuk card-a facility not extended to pilgrims from other countries.

He urged, “That is why I urge everyone not to let one mistake jeopardise future privileges for other Malaysian pilgrims.” Furthermore, he advised Malaysians to learn from this incident and to only use official channels when performing the haj.

Previously, media reports detailed how the pilgrimage of 47 senior citizens turned into an ordeal after being duped by a local agent. This deception forced them to take risky routes to reach Makkah from Jeddah due to Saudi Arabia’s strict enforcement against unauthorized haj pilgrims. In April, the Saudi Ministry of Interior had announced penalties for individuals and parties violating haj permit regulations, including a 10-year entry ban into the kingdom.