RM1,500 Badal Haj Ads Pose Fraud Risk, Muslims Urged To Verify

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 31 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Muslims have been urged to be cautious of advertisements offering badal haj for as low as RM1,500, as such offers carry a high risk of fraud and may not meet the requirements for a valid pilgrimage.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said commercial badal haj packages at such prices are unrealistic and do not reflect the actual costs set by the Saudi Arabian authorities.

“I advise Muslims in the country to verify the legitimacy of any badal haj offers widely advertised in suraus, mosques and on social media by travel agencies or individuals to avoid becoming victims of scams,” he said in a statement today.

He said badal haj services are difficult to carry out commercially as all pilgrims, including Saudi residents, must possess a valid haj visa or a special permit approved by the Saudi Haj and Umrah Ministry, noting that not all applications are approved.

Zulkifli said the minimum cost for a haj package for Saudi residents is about 10,000 riyals (RM11,300), which only covers permits and tents at Masyair and excludes accommodation, food and transport.

For the upcoming haj season 1447H/2026, he said Saudi authorities will continue strict enforcement, with pilgrims using invalid visas or permits facing fines, imprisonment and blacklisting from entering Saudi Arabia for several years.

He said the Malaysian government and Tabung Haji continue to remind the public to verify the legitimacy of haj and badal haj packages, adding that strict action will be taken against individuals or travel companies involved in fraudulent services.

He advised the public to lodge police reports immediately if they suspect or become victims of fraud so that investigations and legal action can be taken to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of the country’s tourism industry.

-- BERNAMA