PROSPECTIVE pilgrims this year can now perform the haj under Rahmah haj packages priced at RM50,000 and below, offered by travel agencies with haj operator licences (PJH) issued by Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH).

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said that the move received positive responses from 23 PJHs, in fact, some even offered packages with prices ranging from RM43,000 to RM45,000 per person.

“Alhamdulillah, with less than RM50,000 (per person) we hope more (prospective pilgrims) can take up the offer, Insya-Allah,” he said.

He said this to the media after launching the PJH 1444H/2023 Carnival, themed ‘Choose Comfort, Choose a Hajj Package’ which was organised for the first time by TH and the Association of Bumiputera Tourism Operators of Malaysia (Bumitra) in Sepang today.

Also launched was the PJH directory which can be used as a reference for prospective pilgrims.

Nai’m said that the 23 PJHs licensed by TH have strong capacity, expertise and experience and are competent in providing the best services. They are responsible for looking after the welfare of pilgrims who perform the haj under the muassasah or packages. 

“In the past few years, we have heard of haj and umrah package fraud in the news. The government views this matter seriously and is determined to eradicate this menace involving hajj pilgrims,” he said.

He said TH is working closely with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and agencies registered under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) to address the problem.

At the same time, Na’im stressed that TH has never appointed any individuals as agents in matters related to haj packages and offers. Any individual or company that offers haj package services without TH’s approval may be subject to legal action under the Tabung Haji Act 1995.

He also added that 31,600 individuals have been offered to perform the haj this year, and the government is still awaiting Saudi Arabia’s approval for an additional 350 pilgrims.

“The government had submitted an appeal and we have been given a 31,600 haj quota this year. Hence, we have relayed to the Saudi Arabian government why we hope to increase to 350 pilgrims, to bring the total to 31,950,” he said.

He also said that one of the reasons presented to the Saudi Arabian government is that Malaysia’s population has grown to 31.95 million and he hoped the appeal would receive due consideration. – Bernama, March 25, 2023.