In a statement today, the ministry said the price was in line with the increase in the cost of performing the umrah due to compliance with Covid-19 SOPs set by the Saudi Arabian and Malaysian governments.

“The floor price will be reviewed when the Covid-19 outbreak is declared over and the situation has returned to normal. At that time, these SOP restrictions will no longer be implemented by the Malaysian and Saudi Arabian governments.

“This price is also a guide for the ministry in monitoring the umrah industry. The public can use it as a guide in choosing the company that suits their budget,” it said.

According to the ministry, among factors affecting the increase in cost are the accommodation capacity in Saudi Arabia, transport that allows only 50% of the actual capacity, as well as Covid-19 swab tests.

It said the ministry had discussed with the relevant associations before setting the floor price for the umrah package. The last one was set in 2017 at RM4,900.

The ministry reminded the public to be wary of umrah package scams and to contact the state tourism offices or browse through the ministry’s official website to obtain the list of companies that are licenced to organise umrah packages.

As an initiative to address umrah package scams, it said the ministry had made it mandatory for licensed umrah operators to apply for permission to advertise umrah promotions.