KUALA LUMPUR: The government is conducting a study to establish guidelines on the implementation of badal haj (haj by proxy) services, the Dewan Rakyat heard.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Marhamah Rosli said the study, conducted through the Waqf, Zakat and Haj Department, included examining the feasibility of services offered by companies and individuals, as decided by the Muzakarah Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs.
“Following the study, a set of guidelines will be presented to the council before being made available as a reference for the public,” she said during the question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Nov 4).
She was responding to Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (PN-Kuala Krai), who asked about the government's mechanism for conducting preliminary verification of advertisers' identities, company status, licences, payment recipient accounts, as well as the validity of claims regarding the implementation of badal haj services, before such advertisements continue to be promoted to the public.
Meanwhile, Marhamah said Jawhar and Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) would continue to intensify efforts to provide information, raise awareness and disseminate information through religious talks at mosques and surau, social media campaigns and roadshows nationwide.
She also advised the public to check the background of service providers, the authenticity of offers and the details of payment recipients before making any transactions.
“Any complaints regarding misleading or fraudulent service offerings may be referred to the relevant authorities for action under the applicable laws.
“The government takes seriously any form of fraud that exploits religious obligations for financial gain.
“Therefore, efforts to strengthen guidelines, raise public awareness and enhance cooperation with the relevant authorities will continue to be prioritised to protect the interests of Muslims and prevent members of the public from falling victim to fraud involving badal haji services,” she said.
