Conduct thorough investigation for stranded haj pilgrims - Idris

SHAH ALAM - Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Idris Ahmad urges the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation regarding the haj pilgrims who stranded in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) yesterday.

He said if there were any elements of scams involved, the parties must be brought to justice and given appropriate sentences which should be a lesson for all parties to ensure the case does not repeat itself.

"I was informed regarding the haj pilgrim issues in KLIA and KLIA Movenpick Hotel which effects close to 400 individuals.

"I was also informed that several police reports have been lodged in relation to the issue and investigations are underway.

"I feel disappointed with the incident that should not have happened, not to mention it involves one of the pillars of Islam that is very important for all Islamic individuals and agencies who manage Haj pilgrimage," he said in a statement on Friday.

Yesterday, it was reported that about 380 potential haj pilgrims were stranded in KLIA, believed to be the victims of a scam from a travel agency.

The victims were gathered in Level 5, KLIA Departure Station believing to use furada visas to perform their pilgrimage and did not go through Tabung Haji (TH) Group.

Idris advised all Muslims to get the right advice in regard to haj from TH even when they used an external agency for the trip.

"I ask for all Malaysian citizens especially Muslims to stay vigilant and be careful with these cases and always seek the correct advice from TH officers.

"I ask for all parties involved to stay strong and take this opportunity of the Arafah Day to pray to Allah for peace even if they were not able to perform their haj at the Holy Land of Makkah," he said.