Haj packages: Victims urged to make police report

Perak police are appealing to those who have been duped into buying Haj packages from fraudsters claiming to be from the Menteri Besar's Office to lodge a report at any police station to facilitate the investigation.

State Commercial Crime Investigation chief, Supt Lee Ewe Kiang said the department viewed the matter seriously and urged victims to file a police report as soon as possible.

He said the call was made after Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir last Sunday denied that his office was offering a Haj package worth RM39,500 as shared widely over WhatsApp recently.

"In this regard, the police advise everyone not to be easily influenced by news received through WhatsApp and other social networks before referring to the relevant authorities for clarification," he said in a statement here, today.

He said stern action would be taken against those responsible under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act for misuse of network facilities.

The message using the pseudonym 'Friends of Perak Menteri Besar's Office', which went viral over WhatsApp for the past few days offered a Haj package for 28 to 30 days worth RM39,500, including accommodation in five-star hotels in Makkah and Madinah.

-- BERNAMA