Religious minister Na’im Mokhtar says reports have been lodged with the authorities over videos on social media urging Muslims in the country to withdraw their savings from Tabung Haji following concerns over its rebranding exercise.
Na’im said these videos, which had gone viral, could impact the pilgrimage fund.
“Such claims are detrimental to our efforts to safeguard Tabung Haji,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today, adding that the government had been forced to take action.
Na’im said complaints and reports had been submitted to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and the police.
He was responding to Isam Isa (BN-Tampin), who had raised concerns about misinformation spreading in WhatsApp groups among villagers, including claims that Tabung Haji was being managed by non-Muslims.
Some of the videos had also urged depositors to withdraw their savings.
Isam said stern action should be taken against those who spread disinformation.
Na’im’s remarks came days after an MP from PAS was suspended from the Dewan Rakyat following a heated exchange over Tabung Haji’s rebranding exercise.
The incident involving Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN-Pengkalan Chepa) began when Na’im spoke about non-Muslim involvement in Tabung Haji projects.
Marzuk asked why the rebranding exercise had been carried out by a non-Muslim company.
Na’im said the appointment was made in a manner “similar to other corporate appointments”.
He also said the screening was to ensure that the interest of depositors remains the main priority, adding that 23 non-Muslim companies had been selected when Marzuk was the deputy religious minister.
