MOTAC set to intensify scrutiny over Umrah travel agencies

KUCHING: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) will examine and review the qualifications of all travel agency companies, especially those that conduct business related to Umrah travel in Saudi Arabia.

Its minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing noted that certain travel agencies offering Umrah packages without delivering on their promises, despite MOTAC’s prior stringent measures, including licence revocation.

“Previously there have been complaints, especially Umrah pilgrims who have fallen victim to fraud by certain irresponsible travel agencies companies managing Umrah arrangements.

“Some Umrah pilgrims were not taken to their intended destinations or provided with the services promised by the respective travel agencies. Unfortunately, these pilgrims were unable to contact the travel agencies upon arriving at the airports in Saudi Arabia. These travel agencies, heartlessly, washed their hands of the matter, thus disappointing their customers,” he said in a statement posted on his Facebook page recently.

Following this, Tiong said he had directed MOTAC deputy minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan to head this review committee and present a comprehensive report within a month, categorising companies based on their adherence to business practices.

“I also want detailed reports on the records of these companies throughout their management of Umrah pilgrims.

“This is to ensure that travel agency companies are more responsible in conducting their businesses and never neglect their customers.

“I also appeal to all Umrah management travel agency companies to always be honest in their business operations and consistently fulfil their responsibilities in delivering the promised services,” he said.