Umrah Specialized Enhancement Course (USEC)

USEC is one of the government initiatives under the Umrah Regulatory Council (MKSU), aimed at strengthening the governance and management of umrah administration. MKSU, chaired by the Honourable Minister of Tourism under the authority of the Tourism Industry Act 1992, takes seriously the fraud cases reported in the media. Statistics collected by the Malaysian Consumer Claims Tribunal (TTPM) from 2012 to 2015 recorded 2,761 victims being scammed, with cumulative losses exceeding RM19 million.

MKSU, established in 2014 as the highest authority to address fraud and the handling of umrah packages, found that, besides umrah package fraud, the following issues are frequently raised:

• Delays in umrah pilgrims’ flight schedules;
• Stranded umrah pilgrims;
• Failure to obtain umrah visas;
• Appointment of umrah agents/representatives without licenses;
• Handling and management of umrah packages not in accordance with terms and conditions.

Among the initial steps announced by the Honourable Minister of Tourism to address this issue was setting the indicative price of umrah packages at RM4900 (for a 12-day, 10-night economy package). In addition to increasing enforcement and tightening outbound licensing procedures, MKSU also introduced a special umrah license with more specific and separate conditions for Umrah Packages. This step aims to screen outbound companies that are truly serious, honest, and sincere towards the umrah industry. Effective October 2016, companies without a special umrah license will no longer be allowed to sell umrah packages. Therefore, USEC is one of the prerequisites before a company can be granted a special umrah license.

MKSU, comprising various agencies including the Department of Waqf, Zakat, and Hajj (JAWHAR), the Pilgrims Fund Board (Tabung Haji), the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), and the Bumiputera Travel and Tour Agencies Association (BUMITRA), has held a series of discussions and workshops to develop the USEC syllabus. The syllabus development is based on industry input and references to the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (AIP1992), MKSU’s requirements, the Umrah Services Management Manual (published by JAWHAR), and the Manasik Management Manual (published by JAWHAR). From this input and syllabus, the USEC modules were developed, focusing on sharing industry expertise for the benefit of the industry, with the main goal of combating umrah package fraud, clarifying the laws and regulations related to AIP1992 and MKSU’s requirements, and enhancing the rituals and transactions associated with umrah packages.

USEC Series 1/2016 is targeted at all outbound companies that have established agreements with Muasasah. USEC participants consist of representatives of Malaysian Muslim-owned companies, at the highest management level (CEO/COO/GM/equivalent), to ensure that company leadership is aware of and responsible for any laws and regulations relevant to creating a more dynamic and fraud-free umrah industry.

The BaitulMal Professional Institute (IPB) has been officially appointed by MKSU to manage USEC. It is hoped that USEC will achieve its objectives in elevating the umrah industry for the benefit of the Muslim community in seeking Allah’s blessings through the umrah pilgrimage.

Module List in KPPU

MODULE 1: Legislation and Enforcement in Umrah Management
MODULE 2: Responsibilities for the Completion of Pilgrims’ Umrah
MODULE 3: Entry Regulations for Saudi Arabia
MODULE 4: Tips to Avoid Legal Action by Pilgrims
MODULE 5: Best Practices Shared by Umrah Industry Operators

The objectives of USEC include:

• Serving as a prerequisite for the special umrah licensing requirements
• Standardizing the comprehensive management and administration of umrah
• Enhancing the professionalism of umrah management agencies
• Producing skilled and integrity-driven umrah managers and guides

Fees : RM800.00