KUALA LUMPUR – Two individuals bearing the title “Datuk” were arrested last Tuesday over suspected involvement in a fraudulent scheme offering free haj packages.
Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department acting director Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali said the case came to light after the Op Haji Terkandas task force found a group of prospective pilgrims waiting at KLIA on Monday for a “Datuk”, who was supposed to hand them visas for travel to the Holy Land.
However, the documents never arrived.
“One of the victims lodged a police report, stating that he and his wife had submitted their international passports to two individuals who had promised them a free haj package,” Hasbullah said in a statement today.
The couple was told they would fly to Mecca on June 1, 2025, but by June 3, no flight confirmation had been received from the company.
Hasbullah said the suspects had falsely claimed the packages were offered through a travel agency registered as a haj pilgrimage organiser for the 2025 season.
So far, seven police reports have been filed over the alleged scam, though no financial losses were recorded as the packages were advertised as free.
The suspects – a 36-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman – were released on police bail after their remand expired yesterday.
The case is being investigated under Sections 420 and 511 of the Penal Code. – June 5, 2025