The Malaysian government acknowledges that the furada visa is a “gift” from Saudi Arabia for those who wanted to perform the haj, and has no issues with it.
However, the Cabinet yesterday agreed that the authorities in Malaysia would need to further scrutinise those managing haj pilgrims, to eliminate exploitation.
The decision was made after the incident involving 380 haj pilgrims who were stranded at the KL International Airport last Thursday while waiting for their flight to Jeddah, was raised during the weekly Cabinet meeting.
“The matter was discussed at the Cabinet meeting yesterday. It was also decided that Tabung Haji will lead (in this issue and other matters related to the haj) as they have the authority,” said a ranking government official.
“It was also decided that public awareness needs to be stepped up and that the public needs to be educated (about the furada visa).”
It is understood efforts will also include uncovering, and plugging loopholes related to the furada visa. The furada visa is a private visa issued by the government of Saudi Arabia. It is not part of the allocated quota given to Tabung Haji, annually.
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry will also assist, as travel agents and agencies are under its purview.
Twentytwo13, on Tuesday, had reported that the Cabinet was expected to deliberate on the issue of the stranded haj pilgrims.
Police have, thus far, arrested five people, including the owner of a travel agency, in relation to the incident. At least 22 police reports were lodged by the affected pilgrims, or their next-of-kin. Police said the case involved losses of about RM760,000.
Following the incident, there were murmurs of individuals being accorded the furada visa, who then sell the visa to a third party. There were also allegations of “direct negotiations” between travel agents and Tabung Haji insiders, to secure allocations for the haj.
Section 27 of the Tabung Haji Act, 1995 states that no person shall carry out, or transact the business of organising travel for the purpose of pilgrimage to the holy land “unless he is the holder of a valid pilgrim organiser licence issued by the Lembaga (Tabung Haji)”.
