{
  "id": 18061977,
  "title": "Govt studying guidelines for badal haj services",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/govt-studying-guidelines-for-badal-haj-services",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-04T03:42:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/11/1570405/govt-studying-guidelines-badal-haj-services"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "The Malaysian government, via the Waqf, Zakat and Haj Department (Jawhar), is currently conducting a study to establish guidelines for badal haj services, which involve proxy haj travel. Deputy Minister Marhamah Rosli stated that the study will assess the feasibility of services provided by various entities, in line with a decision by the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia (MKI). Upon completing the study, guidelines will be developed and submitted to MKI for public reference. In addition to the study, Jawhar and Lembaga Tabung Haji will ramp up public awareness efforts through mosques, social media, and nationwide outreach programs. Inter-ministerial coordination among the Prime Minister's Department, Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, and the police has been established to combat badal haj scams. The public is urged to verify service providers' backgrounds, claim legitimacy, and confirm payment details before engaging in any transactions, as low-priced badal haj services may indicate potential scams.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}