MATTA Brooks No Nonsense With Members Involved in Cheating

KUALA LUMPUR, 27 December 2017: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Vice President of Umrah and Haj, Shahrulnezam Mohd Daud is saddened with the report of 453 Malaysian umrah pilgrims who are unable to fly home since December 22 as scheduled.

He said “Pilgrims wishing to perform the umrah should not be taken in with cheap packages offered by companies or individuals acting as middlemen, and should deal direct with licensed tour companies issued with special umrah licence.”

“More than 200 tour companies are MATTA members with ‘Lesen Khas Umrah’ offering umrah packages nationwide. Pilgrims are encouraged to approach them to compare and establish market prices. They should be suspicious of anyone that offers ridiculously cheap prices.”

“The police should apply the full force of the law against individuals acting as middlemen out to cheat pilgrims, and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture should haul up licensed tour operators that short change their customers. Our members must comply with MATTA Code of Ethics and those involved in cheating will be expelled.”

MATTA President Datuk Tan Kok Liang added, “Swift action will be taken on any member found to be involved in cheating or short changing the public. Malaysians should also learn to pay reasonably for services, as there is no such thing as a free lunch. Pilgrims who expect a portion of their tour package to be topped up by ‘donation’ will be in deep trouble when no such amount is forthcoming”, concluded Tan.

 

SHAHRULNEZAM MOHD DAUD
MATTA, Vice President Umrah & Haj
Term 2017 – 2019