Hajj Badal Scams Persist Despite Warnings

Fraudulent "Hajj Badal" (pilgrimage on behalf of another) services continue to plague the public, with advertisements offering packages for as little as RM2,800, including gifts like Zam Zam water and prayer mats. These operators even recruit agents to find clients, exploiting the sacredness of the Hajj pilgrimage.

The scam involves individuals claiming to perform Hajj at holy sites like Arafah while holding lists of names of those who paid for the service. Their associates take photos or videos of them with these lists, creating a false impression of legitimate performance. Islamic law strictly permits one individual to perform Hajj Badal for only one person per season, making claims of performing it for dozens impossible.

Furthermore, the low prices offered are unrealistic. The actual costs for visas, accommodation, food, and transportation are substantial. The Malaysian Association of Umrah and Hajj Travel Agencies (PAPUH) estimates that Hajj Badal services should cost over RM10,000, a figure corroborated by Malaysian student associations in West Asia.

The article calls for serious government intervention, urging the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) and state religious authorities to monitor and act decisively against these fraudulent schemes. It emphasizes the need to control umrah companies and individuals involved in Hajj Badal services to prevent further deception and protect the integrity of Islamic practices.