The man is suspected of bribing two individuals, who were arrested by the MACC on Feb 9, in return for helping his tour agents secure umrah flight tickets.

The syndicate is believed to have been operating since 2018, and likely distributed 216,000 tickets with bribes in the form of payments amounting to RM10.8 million.

Industry players say such activities were detected as far back as five years ago.

The number of umrah pilgrims alone has increased by an estimated 900% over just 25 years.

He is expected to leave on Feb 10 and return on Feb 23, with his passport returned to the court on March 7.

High Court judge allows his application after the lead prosecutor says the prosecution was instructed not to object.

Idris Ahmad says Saudi Arabia has issued a circular with which Malaysia must comply.

The majority of Omicron cases were recorded among travellers returning from the umrah pilgrimage.

The measure will take effect on Jan 8.

Authorities will begin accepting travel requests from Aug 9.

This will allow millions of Muslims who have been administered with the Chinese vaccine to perform the haj or umrah to Mecca.

The huge losses and months of operating without an income has compelled some haj and umrah operators to close their businesses permanently.