Guidelines On Badal Haj Services Being Drafted, To Be Presented To MKI - Marhamah

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Guidelines for Badal Haj (haj by proxy) services are being drafted and will be presented to the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) before being issued as a public reference.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Marhamah Rosli said the initiative followed a study by the Department of Waqf, Zakat and Haj (JAWHAR) to assess the feasibility of such services, whether offered by companies or individuals.

“At the same time, JAWHAR and Tabung Haji (TH) would also step up public awareness efforts through mosque and surau talks, social media campaigns and nationwide roadshows.”

Marhamah said this in reply to Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (PN-Kuala Krai), who asked about preliminary screening mechanisms to curb fraud involving Badal Haj services, during Question Time at the Dewan Rakyat today.

She said Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had enforced strict regulations under its La Hajja Bila Tasrih policy, which prohibits performing the haj without a valid permit and visa.

Marhamah said the requirements must be taken seriously as the Badal Haj services are subject to Saudi regulations and involve substantial costs.

As such, she said Badal Haj offers with unusually low prices should therefore raise concerns over their legitimacy and feasibility, increasing the risk of fraud.

“The public is advised to check service providers’ backgrounds, verify the authenticity of offers and confirm payment recipient details before making transactions.

Complaints involving misleading or fraudulent offers can be referred to the relevant authorities for action under existing laws.

-- BERNAMA