Local agencies that operate Hajj pilgrimages for this year have been asked to suspend their operations, primarily in collecting funds from those that are to embark to Mecca, following a case at the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

The Islamic Ministry has also suspended licensing further agencies, the government announced in response to the ACC revealing that it is now investigating the case. 

The ACC had on Sunday asked the ministry to halt all work concerning Hajj agencies until the probe into the case claiming that there was corruption and favoritism in the ministry’s reviewing process.

Sixteen agencies had submitted proposals this year, of which six were licensed. The licenses were given based on points assigned after the Islamic Ministry reviewed the proposals.

Issues in licensing pilgrim groups surfaced following an audio leak which has an official believed to be from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs reveal that he carries considerable influence in the services extended by Umrah pilgrimage agents.

In the audio, the official is heard saying that he has enough connections to establish and license Umrah agents at any given time.