ALOR SETAR, 28 Jan 2018:
Losses of about RM178,600 were incurred by 25 prospective umrah pilgrims after they were allegedly deceived by an ‘ustazah’ – who claimed to be a representative of an umrah operator in Kuala Lumpur.
Consumers Association of Kedah (CAKE) secretary Mohamad Yusrizal Yusoff said the victims, who are from Alor Setar and Guar Chempedak near Yan, realised they have been duped after their flights were postponed several times and they were not given their refunds.
“After CAKE received a report from a victim, I contacted the woman who promised she would refund the payment. But until today, the complainant claimed no refund was received and a police report was lodged,” he told reporters at the Kota Setar district police headquarters yesterday.
Also present were 12 victims – to lodge police reports so that action could be taken against the individual.
Mohamad Yusrizal said for most of victims – who are government retirees, traders and farmers aged between 14 and 65 – this would be their first trip to the holy land.
“They were supposed to leave on Dec 6 last year, but the flight was postponed to Dec 9 and Dec 17 and until today the excuse given is, no tickets are available.”
– Bernama