KUALA LUMPUR: Prospective pilgrims who have obtained the Furada haj visa are advised to use the services provided by licensed haj pilgrimage operators (PJH) only and be cautious of packages offered by unlicensed travel agencies.

Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), in a statement today, said for the 1443H/2022 haj season, a total of 22 local tourism companies were appointed as licensed PJHs to manage pilgrims on Furada visa.

"TH would like to inform that the application for a haj visa and the quota for Malaysian pilgrims are an absolute right of the Saudi Arabian government.

"TH always takes care of the welfare of the prospective pilgrims and is aware of the actions of irresponsible parties offering haj packages to Muslims in the country," the statement read.

TH also warned against offering haj packages without TH's approval, by any individual or travel agency, as it would be an offence that could be charged under the TH Act 1995 (Act 535).

A total of 14,306 Malaysian pilgrims will perform the haj this year after not being able to do so for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

-- BERNAMA