by HARIZAH KAMEL / pic by BERNAMA
 
LEMBAGA Tabung Haji (TH) has advised the public to be cautious with the offer of badal haji (proxy hajj) which are often promoted on social media by travel agencies and certain individuals.  
 
In a statement today, TH clarified that performing the hajj requires every pilgrim from outside Saudi Arabia to obtain a visa while locals must apply for a permit first.  
 
To date, the government of Saudi Arabia has not made any official announcement regarding the implementation of the pilgrimage this year.  
In addition, the offer of proxy hajj at a rate below RM2,500 per person is unreasonable because the cost of permits and other expenses that have to be borne by local residents of Saudi Arabia to perform the hajj is much higher.  
 
“TH is very concerned about the cases of fraudulent proxy hajj that occur every year and asks the public to ensure that agents or individuals who offer this service have permission to perform hajj as well as qualified in terms of knowledge to perform proxy hajj properly.  
 
“TH and its subsidiaries have never been involved in any form of promotion, offering or provision of pilgrimage services,” it added.