Latest news with #TawfigFawzanMuhammedAl-Rabiah
The Sun
13 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Steps taken to stem bogus haj operators
KUALA LUMPUR: Stricter and more severe punishments must be imposed on unscrupulous operators who deceive the public by offering bogus haj and umrah packages, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. He said a special task force was formed last month to address the issue, Bernama reported. 'I think right now the most important issue is enforcement. Advice and guidelines have already been provided many times, including during Friday sermons,' he said at the 2025 Ma'al Hijrah celebration yesterday. 'The real issue now is how we can enforce the law and prosecute those who deceive pilgrims. I believe once there are prosecutions and heavy penalties, it would serve as the best deterrent.' He said Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), the statutory body mandated to manage the haj pilgrimage, does not have the authority to charge or dish out punishment to offenders. 'TH can only lodge a report with the police who then refer the case to the prosecution department. TH can revoke their licences. That part is easy. For umrah, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry can revoke the licences (of the operators) too, so that's not a problem.' He added that Saudi Arabia has also intensified its enforcement efforts to prevent illegal pilgrims from performing the haj. 'I think the key now is enforcement. I spoke with Saudi Arabia Haj and Umrah Minister Dr Tawfig Fawzan Muhammed Al-Rabiah yesterday morning. He said this year many were successfully prevented from entering the holy land to perform the haj without a valid visa.'
The Sun
13 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia urges tougher action on fake haj, umrah packages
KUALA LUMPUR: Stricter and more severe punishments must be imposed on unscrupulous operators who deceive the public by offering bogus haj and umrah packages, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. He said a special task force was formed last month to address the issue, Bernama reported. 'I think right now the most important issue is enforcement. Advice and guidelines have already been provided many times, including during Friday sermons,' he said at the 2025 Ma'al Hijrah celebration yesterday. 'The real issue now is how we can enforce the law and prosecute those who deceive pilgrims. I believe once there are prosecutions and heavy penalties, it would serve as the best deterrent.' He said Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), the statutory body mandated to manage the haj pilgrimage, does not have the authority to charge or dish out punishment to offenders. 'TH can only lodge a report with the police who then refer the case to the prosecution department. TH can revoke their licences. That part is easy. For umrah, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry can revoke the licences (of the operators) too, so that's not a problem.' He added that Saudi Arabia has also intensified its enforcement efforts to prevent illegal pilgrims from performing the haj. 'I think the key now is enforcement. I spoke with Saudi Arabia Haj and Umrah Minister Dr Tawfig Fawzan Muhammed Al-Rabiah yesterday morning. He said this year many were successfully prevented from entering the holy land to perform the haj without a valid visa.'
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Ex-Johor mufti Dr Nooh Gadut named National Tokoh Maal Hijrah
KUALA LUMPUR: Religious advisor to the Sultan of Johor and former Johor mufti Datuk Dr Nooh Gadut was today announced as this year's National Tokoh Maal Hijrah. The Saudi Arabian Minister of Haj and Umrah Dr Tawfig Fawzan Muhammed Al-Rabiah, meanwhile, was named the International Tokoh Maal Hijrah. His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, presented the awards to the two recipients at a ceremony held in conjunction with the national-level Maal Hijrah 1447H celebration at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre today. Present was Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar Sultan Ibrahim. Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, Dewan Negara President Senator Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah and Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul. The selection of award recipients in both categories is based on their substantial impact on the advancement of the ummah and the dissemination of Islamic teachings, as well as their recognition and respect at both national and international levels. The honorees are also distinguished by their deep knowledge, broad experience and admirable character traits that serve as role models for others. Earlier, Naim in his speech, said Muslims must shift from a passive mindset to one that is proactive and value-driven to truly embody the spirit of hijrah. He said the concept of hijrah is no longer limited to physical movement but involves transforming values and thoughts. "So, let us as driving agents cultivate knowledge, uphold values, prioritise unity and respect differences. "Let us build families, communities and countries based on kindness and piety.
