Latest news with #MOTAC
The Sun
5 days ago
- The Sun
MOTAC intensifies haj and umrah scam awareness campaigns in Malaysia
TUMPAT: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) is ramping up public awareness initiatives to combat haj and umrah scams, ensuring Malaysians are better informed against fraudulent operators. MOTAC secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot emphasised the ministry's role in educating the public, despite haj administration being under Lembaga Tabung Haji's purview. 'Our priority is to prevent scams, especially during peak travel seasons,' he said. Speaking at the Kelantan-level Citrawarna Siam Malaysia Festival 2025 at Wat Machimmaram, Shaharuddin noted recurring fraud cases and stressed the importance of public vigilance. 'Awareness helps people identify legitimate services,' he added. MOTAC has revoked licences of fraudulent companies and suspended others as part of strict enforcement measures. 'We will not tolerate such misconduct,' Shaharuddin affirmed.
Barnama
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Barnama
MOTAC Committed To Strengthening Arts, Culture Through GSSK - Sec-Gen
TUMPAT, June 27 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) has expressed its appreciation for the continued support of arts and heritage associations, in the annual implementation of programmes under the Cultural Sector Support Grant (GSSK) initiative. MOTAC secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot said that, in an effort to stimulate arts and cultural activities nationwide, the ministry is committed to supporting arts, culture, and heritage-based associations by covering part of their event organisation costs through the GSSK initiative. 'Hence, I sincerely hope that arts, culture, and heritage associations will continue to support the ministry's efforts in promoting the national arts and culture agenda, outlined under the National Cultural Policy.
Barnama
6 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
MOTAC Calls On Bikers To Be ‘Mini Ambassadors' For Local Tourism
IPOH, June 27 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) is encouraging motorcycle convoys to act as 'mini ambassadors' in promoting domestic tourism ahead of the Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026 campaign. Perak MOTAC director Muhammad Aminuddin Abdul Majid said convoy participants can help highlight local heritage and tourist attractions through the content they create during their journeys. 'Through their travels and social media sharing, they become storytellers and cultural ambassadors, helping to spark interest in local destinations and boost the local economy,' he said.
Barnama
6 days ago
- Barnama
Enhance Enforcement, Prosecution To Curb Haj, Umrah Package Scams - Mohd Na'im
KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 (Bernama) -- The enforcement and prosecution of fraudulent haj and umrah packages must be stepped up and carried out more decisively, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. He said tougher prosecution and harsher penalties could serve as a lesson to offenders and help prevent similar incidents in the future. Mohd Na'im said Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), the body overseeing haj affairs, has no mandate to initiate legal action. "I believe enforcement is crucial. We've established a special task force involving the police, the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry (MOTAC), and TH, but under the TH Act, they've no enforcement powers. "TH can only lodge a police report, after which the prosecution will take action. So, while there are already prosecutions and fairly heavy penalties, what we need now is stronger enforcement and firmer prosecution," he told reporters after the national-level Maal Hijrah 2025 celebrations at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here today. Mohd Na'im emphasised that any TH-licensed company found to be involved in fraud will have its licence revoked, adding that MOTAC holds similar powers over umrah agencies. Citing Saudi Arabia's strict enforcement measures, he said the country has successfully prevented the entry of haj pilgrims without valid visas through extensive monitoring and operations. "I had a discussion this morning with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfig Fawzan Muhammed Al-Rabiah, who informed me that the ministry implemented stricter enforcement this year, including mounting raids on hotels and accommodation premises," he said. Media reports cited the harrowing experience faced by 47 Malaysian senior citizens who were duped by an agent and forced to take dangerous routes to reach Makkah after they arrived in Jeddah to perform the haj.
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Malay Mail
Religious minister: Strong enforcement, penalties needed to curb haj, umrah scams
KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 — The enforcement and prosecution of fraudulent haj and umrah packages must be stepped up and carried out more decisively, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. He said tougher prosecution and harsher penalties could serve as a lesson to offenders and help prevent similar incidents in the future. Mohd Na'im said Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), the body overseeing haj affairs, has no mandate to initiate legal action. 'I believe enforcement is crucial. We've established a special task force involving the police, the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry (MOTAC), and TH, but under the TH Act, they've no enforcement powers. 'TH can only lodge a police report, after which the prosecution will take action. So, while there are already prosecutions and fairly heavy penalties, what we need now is stronger enforcement and firmer prosecution,' he told reporters after the national-level Maal Hijrah 2025 celebrations at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here today. Mohd Na'im emphasised that any TH-licensed company found to be involved in fraud will have its licence revoked, adding that MOTAC holds similar powers over umrah agencies. Citing Saudi Arabia's strict enforcement measures, he said the country has successfully prevented the entry of haj pilgrims without valid visas through extensive monitoring and operations. 'I had a discussion this morning with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfig Fawzan Muhammed Al-Rabiah, who informed me that the ministry implemented stricter enforcement this year, including mounting raids on hotels and accommodation premises,' he said. Media reports cited the harrowing experience faced by 47 Malaysian senior citizens who were duped by an agent and forced to take dangerous routes to reach Makkah after they arrived in Jeddah to perform the haj. In April, the Saudi Ministry of Interior announced penalties for individuals and parties who violate haj permit regulations, including a 10-year ban from entering the country. — Bernama
