PETALING JAYA: The remand for all of those detained in connection with stranded Umrah pilgrims, with losses reaching RM2.1mil, has been extended for a day, except for the female owner of the travel agency.
Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the 31-year-old male owner along with six workers had their remand extended for a day, upon the expiry of their initial remand on Saturday (Jan 18).
"However, the female owner was released on police bail on Saturday.
"We are investigating the matter further," he said when contacted on Saturday.
Comm Hussein said 31 police reports have been lodged over the case.
"19 reports were lodged by the victims and 11 by agents.
"A police report was also lodged by the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry (Motac)," he said.
It was reported that a married couple, who are owners of a travel agency, were among eight individuals detained in connection with stranded umrah pilgrims.
Comm Hussein had said the married individuals, both 31 years old, were detained in Kuala Lumpur at about 7pm on Wednesday (Jan 15).
"We also detained six other individuals aged between 24 and 46 years old.
"A total of 379 victims have been stranded and suffered losses of about RM2.1mil," he said.
All suspects had been remanded for three days until Saturday (Jan 18).
One of the victims, a 39-year-old woman, lost RM11,000 and was left stranded, he said.
"Initial investigations revealed that the travel agency started in 2022. Its headquarters is at a three-storey building in Sepang.
"They allegedly engaged their victims through advertisements on TikTok about umrah packages.
"Customers who are interested can purchase the packages through agents appointed by the travel agency," he said.
The travel agency's headquarters was also raided by Selangor Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) on Wednesday.
"We seized computers, passports and documents pertaining to the investigation," he added.
Comm Hussein advised the public to be wary of umrah packages offered on social media.
"Check the validity of the company offering the packages with the Tourism Ministry.
"We urge those who have been duped to come to lodge a police report as soon as possible," he said.
