KUCHING: The Sarawak Umrah and Hajj Association (SUHA) has voiced concern over recent cases of fraudulent hajj packages in the state, where unsuspecting pilgrims were left stranded — financially drained and spiritually heartbroken.
SUHA chairman Ruzaiman Ghazalee said many had saved for years and some even decades in hopes of finally fulfilling a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey, only to be met with betrayal.
He pointed out that the syndicates involved had offered unauthorised hajj packages and failed to send their clients to the holy land, with overall losses reportedly running into the millions.
“This is a deeply saddening situation. Not only did they suffer financial loss, but it has disrupted a very meaningful act of worship,” he said in a statement.
Ruzaiman also highlighted a worrying trend of increasing number of individuals operating as umrah and hajj agents in Sarawak without valid licences or proper oversight.
He said the lack of regulation has made it all too easy for unqualified and irresponsible parties to exploit the trust of pilgrims.
“Anyone can now claim to be an agent. Without strict enforcement, it opens the floodgates to deception,” he said.
At the same time, Ruzaiman urged the Muslim community in Sarawak to be more vigilant and to always verify the legitimacy of any hajj or umrah package before committing to it.
He said Sarawak’s Islamic bodies can play a pivotal role in educating and advising the public, especially in promoting the use of authorised channels and reminding prospective pilgrims of the importance of due diligence.
“These scams have happened before. They will keep happening if people continue to purchase packages without checking the background or approval status of the agents involved.
“Hajj is not just a physical journey — it is a spiritual one. It deserves proper management and transparency. We must protect the integrity of this sacred pilgrimage,” he said.
Ruzaiman also advised the public to refer to SUHA-affiliated agencies or Tabung Haji for reliable and updated information before making any decisions.
