KUALA LUMPUR: The government plans to introduce a minimum pricing mechanism and standardised service requirements for umrah packages to better protect pilgrims and ensure the quality of services offered.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, said the mechanism will require umrah travel operators to adhere to a minimum package price while clearly outlining the services included in each package.
“That’s why the umrah issue, we are very serious. We had a meeting with various agencies, including Tabung Haji and the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs).
“Just now I mentioned to the ministry’s secretary general that we must set the bottom line. For umrah packages, you can’t go below a certain price. But you must have the list of services that you provide for the package,” he said.
Tiong said this in his speech at the opening of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Muslim Friendly Travel Fair 2026 here today.
He said the move is intended to prevent operators from offering unrealistically low-priced packages that could compromise service delivery and leave pilgrims unable to complete their religious journey as planned.
Tiong said operators may differentiate their umrah packages into categories such as Premium, Gold, Silver and Platinum, but must adhere to the minimum price set for the packages.
He said he does not want a situation where people travel for umrah but are unable to return, or arrive but cannot fulfil their intended mission.
Meanwhile, Tiong said Malaysia needs to ensure it remains ahead in Muslim-friendly tourism, as competition for the Muslim market is intensifying.
For example, he said Macau has expanded its halal dining options, Muslim-friendly accommodation, prayer facilities at airports and dedicated travel information for Muslim visitors.
Tiong said tourism industry players must continue innovating, strengthen industry collaboration, and enhance international promotion to build Malaysia’s Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) ecosystem. – BERNAMA
