PUTRAJAYA, Jan 18 — The Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry (Motac) is currently reviewing the requirement for Umrah operating companies to put up a bank guarantee of at least RM250,000.
The bank guarantee for large-scale operators will be increased according to the size of their company's operations.
It announced the move following increasingly serious and frequent cases of consumer fraud.
"It is hoped that the policy which will be finalised, will be enforced as soon as possible," Motac said in a statement today.
The bank guarantee for umrah operating companies is a requirement in the Tourism Industry Regulations under the Tourism Industry Act 1992.
It aims to ensure that quality services and the welfare of pilgrims are maintained.
"For example, when fraud occurs, funds from this bank guarantee will be used to compensate the affected victims," it said.
Motac stressed that if there are companies that cannot meet the minimum requirements, it will not hesitate to revoke their licenses immediately without compromise.
The ministry stressed and reiterated its commitment to protect the interests of Malaysian Umrah pilgrims by imposing strict action against any operating companies that fail to comply with the stipulated requirements and regulations.
"Indeed, Motac is disappointed that although action has been taken against operators who have failed to comply with the law before, there are still operators who continue to ignore their responsibilities," it said.
Motac added that 135 victims from various backgrounds came to its headquarters in Putrajaya yesterday to complain about operators who failed to manage their Umrah trips.
"This shows that this issue cannot be allowed to drag on any longer," it said.
Previously, Motac held an engagement session with representatives of the Umrah Operators Association, including the Association of Bumiputera Tour Operators, the Association of Travel and Tourism Agents, and the Association of Umrah and Hajj Travel Agencies.
It said the public's trust in the Umrah industry must be restored and operators who are negligent or irresponsible will not be allowed to continue operating.
Motac also called on all Umrah operators to comply with the rules and guidelines set out, which are not only to safeguard the interests of the public but also to ensure the integrity and credibility of the Umrah industry in Malaysia.
— Bernama
