Tourism Authority withdraws travel agency Umrah license until December 31

PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has suspended the licence of Umrah tour operator Pasadana Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd from April 20 to December 31, 2024.

In a statement on Tuesday (June 11), the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture said the suspension was based on subsections 8(1)(b) and 8(1)(d) of the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (Act 482).

The ministry said the company would not be able to conduct any new business during the suspension, such as advertising Umrah packages or recruiting new pilgrims.

“During the suspension, the company must refund payments and return documents to those who cancel their Umrah travel bookings.

“If the company violates these conditions, its license may be revoked and renewal will not be permitted,” the statement said.

Subsection 8(1)(b) relates to licensed tourism operators who contravene any licence conditions, provisions of this Act or any other written law, without prejudice to criminal prosecution for such contraventions.

Subparagraph 8(1)(d) refers to conducting business in a manner that is detrimental to the interests of the public, the tourism industry or the national economy. – Bernama