MECCA: All Malaysian haj pilgrims will depart from Jeddah and are expected to return to the country from Sunday, says Datuk Idris Ahmad.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) said the last flight was expected on Aug 12 after visiting Madinah.
“A total of 14,305 pilgrims have performed the haj, of which 85% are under the Muassasah package and another 15% via the haj pilgrimage operators under Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH).
“I wish to congratulate the TH management for their excellent handling of Malaysian haj pilgrims,” he told reporters yesterday.
Idris said at the end of the haj season this year, TH would continue to make preparations for the 2023 season, and that he was confident the agency would continue to improve services for the benefit of the pilgrims.
He also said several matters were discussed with the Saudi Arabian government, especially on the recent sharp increase in the cost of performing haj.
“I met the Saudi Arabian haj and umrah minister Dr Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah last week and shared the pilgrims’ and TH’s concerns over the increase in the cost of performing haj.
“The cost this year, which was initially estimated at RM25,540, has increased to RM28,000 per person.
“This was due to several new charges and the rise in existing costs of Muassasah management companies and other agencies in Saudi Arabia,” he said, Bernama reported.
Idris said he was also concerned over global inflation, especially in matters of pilgrimage, and that TH must accept the reality of the increase in costs that occurs every year.
He said TH must find ways so that the haj fees would not burden prospective Malaysian pilgrims.
“We will continue with financial assistance for prospective pilgrims in need. For those who can afford it, I suggest they pay the full cost or choose a private package,” he said.
