Travel agencies assure Malaysian umrah pilgrims that journeys to Saudi Arabia remain safe and operational, advising against last-minute cancellations despite regional tensions.
PETALING JAYA: Malaysians planning to perform umrah have been urged to proceed calmly with their pilgrimage as travel agencies said journeys to Saudi Arabia remain safe and operational despite heightened tensions in parts of the Middle East.
Industry players said the vast majority of pilgrims are continuing as scheduled, with only a small number opting for last-minute cancellations.
A Titim Travel Sdn Bhd representative, who wished to be known only as Ustaz Afiq, said pilgrims with confirmed bookings for March and April should proceed as planned.
“For pilgrims who have already made payments, flights and arrangements are confirmed and secure, with bookings for hotels, airlines and visas all in place.
“While cancellations are possible, we advise pilgrims to continue as planned because last-minute cancellations would result in forfeited payments.”
Concerns over umrah travel surfaced after Federal Territories mufti Datuk Dr Ahmad Fauwaz Fadzil on Saturday advised Muslims to defer travel to conflict-affected areas in the Middle East until conditions improve.
However, Afiq stressed that as long as Saudi authorities have not restricted entry for umrah or haj, and airlines continue to operate, there is no cause for alarm.
“We trust that the Saudi government has taken the necessary precautionary measures and heightened security to a vigilant level.”
He added that only a small minority of pilgrims have cancelled their trips, fully aware that their payments are non-refundable.
“Everything appears safe for March and April departures. From my own experience returning from Jeddah on March 4, travel was smooth and uneventful.”
Maghfirah Travel and Tours Sdn Bhd CEO Fakrur Radzi Mohd Omar also noted that Malaysian pilgrims in Mecca and Madinah are carrying out their religious duties without disruption.
“Pilgrims are safe and able to perform their religious obligations.”
He said the only operational challenges so far have involved flights transiting through Doha and Dubai, where certain routes have faced temporary disruptions.
“Direct flights to Jeddah and Madinah via Malaysia Airlines, Saudia and Oman Air continue to operate as usual.
“Pilgrims should not panic and are advised to stay in touch with their travel agencies for any updates,” he said.
He cautioned against hasty cancellations, noting the financial implications involved.
“Pilgrims should not rush to cancel. The cost implications are significant, particularly for them, as Saudi Arabia has not closed its airspace or imposed travel restrictions.
“If cancellation is necessary, we will advise them accordingly and explain the consequences. Otherwise, travel will proceed based on the agreed terms.”
Both agencies said business remains largely stable, although demand typically softens ahead of Ramadan as Malaysians focus on preparations for Hari Raya.
“The current situation has led to a slight slowdown in the umrah and tour market, but safety in Saudi Arabia remains assured.
“Airlines will comply with directives from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation. Only if routes are officially closed will travel be affected.”
For now, agencies maintain that pilgrims with confirmed bookings, particularly on direct flights, can proceed with confidence.
They added that they would continue to monitor developments closely, keep clients informed and ensure all travel arrangements adhere to safety requirements.
While regional tensions persist, Malaysians undertaking umrah this season can proceed with caution but without undue fear, guided by travel operators and the safeguards put in place by Saudi authorities.
The Sun Malaysia
