No Fake Visa Issues Involving M’sian Pilgrims - Haj Delegation Head

From Amirul Mohd Sajadi

MAKKAH, May 11 (Bernama) -- There have been no cases involving Malaysian pilgrims using fake visas in the Holy Land, Malaysian Haj delegation head Mohd Hisham Harun confirmed.

He said tight controls and close monitoring of pilgrims’ documentation had helped ensure smooth entry procedures and compliance with regulations set by the Saudi government.

Mohd Hisham urged pilgrims not to be easily misled by dubious haj package offers ahead of the Day of Arafah, expected on May 26.

“We understand that some people are desperate to perform the haj and, in such situations, certain parties may take advantage by offering various haj packages.

“However, we would like to stress that only those with valid haj visas are allowed to enter the Holy Land and perform the haj,” he told reporters here today.

Mohd Hisham said the Saudi government has issued a strict warning that anyone using visas other than haj visas, such as visit, tourist, work or student visas, will not be allowed to enter Makkah, especially the holy sites of Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina.

He said legal action could be taken against individuals who are caught and found to have breached the rule.

“Such actions not only affect the individuals involved but could also have an impact on the good relations between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia,” he said.

In a separate development, Tabung Haji said the opportunity to perform Qurban worship (animal sacrifice) in the Holy Land through the THiJARI system remains open until May 20, with a fee of RM810 for a sheep.

-- BERNAMA