Bernama reported that the company lured participants into buying business packages priced between RM4,490 and RM13,090, and was represented by officials with such titles as “ustaz” and “ustazah” to create the appearance of a legitimate operation.

Rosmawati Mansor, 52, who bought a business package in March 2023, said the company promised to sponsor participants to perform the umrah, and also help them sell “health coffee” products.

“Some participants received samples of the coffee to sell, while others received nothing,” she told reporters today, adding that they did not receive the umrah sponsorship promised to them.

She said her umrah trip was supposed to have taken place between September 2023 and March 2024. She filed a report at the Port Klang police station on Feb 23 last year.

Rosmawati also claimed the company offered participants the opportunity to purchase homes in Kinding, Perak, at prices ranging from RM80,000 to RM110,000.

She said 31 victims from Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Melaka, Johor and Sabah have decided to hire a lawyer to recover the money they paid for the packages.

Bukit Aman commercial crime investigation department director Ramli Yoosuf said his department would look into all the reports received.

He urged the public to be cautious when choosing companies offering umrah packages, and to ensure that they are registered with the tourism, arts and culture ministry.

“They can also check if the company is registered with hotels in Mecca to ensure their accommodation is secured,” he said.