Reports by MARTIN CARVALHO, FATIMAH ZAINAL and ASHLEY TANG

       CLAIMS that the umrah standard operating procedure frequently changes and are troubling to pilgrims are inaccurate, says Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

       The SOP – which was first issued last year – had only changed once so far, she said, adding that the change was only made following the one-month suspension on umrah travel imposed by the government on Jan 8.

       She also said that the number of pilgrims who had to bear losses due to being unable to get refunds was much lower than the overall number of 19,000 affected pilgrims.

       “The government had also agreed that the pilgrims severely affected by the temporary postponement of umrah trips would receive a consolation payment,” Nancy told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday during the oral question and answer session.

       She said that although the government had not allowed pilgrims returning to the country to undergo home quarantine after the government’s announcement on the umrah suspension, they were given the option to choose between a private quarantine centre or a government-run centre.

       “However, the new SOP starting Feb 14 says that pilgrims no longer need to undergo mandatory quarantine at designated stations and can instead undergo home quarantine without filling out a Home Quarantine Application, just like anyone else returning from abroad.

       “At the same time, pilgrims are also allowed to choose to undergo compulsory quarantine at private quarantine stations with the cost of accommodation, meals and treatment borne by themselves.