KUALA LUMPUR: It is believed that the police have detained the managing director of a travel and tour company on Wednesday (Jan 15) over allegations of failing to fly over 300 umrah pilgrims to the holy land, Malay language daily Sinar Harian reports.
Sinar Harian reported that it is understood that the managing director was detained by the Selangor Commercial Crime Investigation Department at 6.45pm at the headquarters of the Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) here.
At the time of his arrest, the suspect had just finished holding a press conference and meeting with the affected umrah pilgrims.
It is believed that this detention follows a police report made by pilgrims demanding an explanation for the failure of the flight, Sinar Harian reported.
The Malay language daily also reported that the press conference, which started calmly, turned chaotic and tense when some pilgrims disagreed with the offer made by the company.
Previously, approximately more than 300 umrah pilgrims were stranded when they were promised to be flown to the holy land but were delayed by the tour operator.
One of the pilgrims, who only wanted to be known as Ida, claimed she was only informed of the delay on Sunday (Jan 12) afternoon.
According to her, the reason given by the company was that the hotel accommodation had been cancelled by the Saudi Arabian authorities.
