All travel agencies that intend to handle umrah packages must have a special umrah license to be issued by the Tourism and Culture Ministry from October 1 next year.
Its deputy minister Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said the purpose was to monitor and avoid fraudulent umrah cases from recurring in the future.
"If previously any companies wishing to handle umrah activities only needed an outbound license, effective October next year they must obtain two licenses, namely outbound license and special umrah license.
"Among the prerequisites for obtaining a license are that the umrah operators must undergo a two-day umrah operators enhancement course organised by the ministry," she told a media conference at her ministry here today.
She said those who failed to obtain a license would be liable to a fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, including revocation of the tourism license under Section 5 (2) of the Tourism Industry Act 1992.
According to her, an estimated 2,000 umrah pilgrims had been cheated by cheap umrah packages this year but so far only one official complaint was lodged to her ministry.
However 3,482 cases were received by the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry fronm 2014 until October this year with consumers claims amounting to RM21.28 million, she said.
She said only companies in the form of Sdn Bhd are permitted to carry out tourism activities, including umrah packages and had license from the ministry.
Mas Ermieyati said the ceiling price for economic umrah packages that had been agreed by the Umrah Regulatory Council for 12 days, 10 nights was RM4,9000 for this year.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Dec 16 2016
Those who failed to obtain a license would be liable to a fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, including revocation of the tourism license under Section 5 (2) of the Tourism Industry Act 1992. - Filepic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.