Johor government expresses sorrow and vows support as 47 pilgrims allegedly scammed and endangered
A shocking haj scam has surfaced involving 47 Malaysian pilgrims allegedly forced to walk dangerously toward Mecca without valid documentation. The Johor government has voiced deep disappointment and pledged full cooperation with ongoing investigations.
Pilgrims Forced Into Danger
On June 15, the Johor state government addressed disturbing reports that 47 Malaysian pilgrims were victims of a fraudulent haj package. The group, which included elderly individuals and those with medical conditions, was allegedly forced to walk to Mecca from Jeddah without proper haj visas, risking arrest and physical harm.
The victims reportedly departed Malaysia on May 9 under the guidance of a religious agent, only to discover upon arrival in Saudi Arabia that their journey would continue on foot, without official clearance from Saudi authorities.
Johor Government Reacts
Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid, chairman of the Johor State Islamic Religious Affairs Committee, said in a public statement that the state government is deeply saddened and closely monitoring the situation.
“What is even more distressing is that the alleged victims are elderly individuals and those with health issues,” said Mohd Fared. He urged affected families to remain patient and trust the authorities to carry out a thorough investigation.
Police Reports Filed
To date, three police reports have been lodged—two in Mantin, Negri Sembilan and one in Ayer Hitam, Johor—by concerned family members of the victims.
One victim’s daughter revealed her parents and aunt had joined the haj journey led by a well-known religious figure. Instead of a spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage, they were subjected to unsafe and illegal routes with no guidance from recognized haj authorities.
Warnings and Public Awarenes
Mohd Fared emphasized there are no shortcuts to performing haj, and advised the public to seek guidance only from official bodies like Tabung Haji, Malaysia’s legitimate haj authority. He also stressed the importance of public education to prevent future incidents.
“The state government is prepared to assist the authorities in resolving this issue and in public awareness efforts,” he added, urging vigilance among prospective pilgrims.
The Role of Tabung Haji
Tabung Haji, established to facilitate safe and authorized pilgrimages for Malaysian Muslims, is now once again at the center of advisory efforts. Its involvement is crucial in screening authorized travel agents and preventing unauthorized haj operations that endanger lives and exploit religious devotion.
This tragic episode serves as a stark warning not only to Malaysians but also to Muslims in Indonesia, Singapore, and beyond—that haj scams prey on trust, faith, and vulnerability. As haj season continues, it becomes ever more vital to rely on legitimate channels and expose bad actors who compromise spiritual journeys for profit.
Sources: Malay Mail (2025) , NST (2025)
Keywords: Haj Scam Malaysia, Johor Government Statement, Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid, Walk To Mecca, Fraudulent Haj Package, Tabung Haji Warning
