SEPANG: Prospective pilgrims this year can now perform the haj under Rahmah haj packages priced at RM50,000 and below, offered by travel agencies with the haj operator licence (PJH) issued by Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH).
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said the move received a positive response from the 23 PJHs; in fact, some even offered packages with prices ranging from RM43,000 to RM45,000 per person.
“With less than RM50,000 [per person], we hope more [prospective haj pilgrims] can take up the offer,” he said.
He told the media this after launching the PJH 1444H/2023 carnival themed “Choose Comfort, Choose a Haj Package”, which was organised for the first time by TH and the Association of Bumiputera Tourism Operators of Malaysia (Bumitra) here yesterday.
The PJH directory, which can be used as a reference for prospective haj pilgrims, was also launched.
Mohd Nai’m said the 23 PJHs licensed by TH have strong capacity, expertise and experience, and are competent in providing the best service.
They are responsible for looking after the welfare of pilgrims who perform the haj under the muassasah and packages, Bernama reported.
“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,” he said.
He said TH is working closely with the Royal Malaysia Police and agencies registered under the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry to address the problem.
At the same time, Mohd Na’im said that TH has never appointed any individual as an agent 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 added that 31,600 individuals have been offered the chance to perform the haj this year, and the government is still awaiting Saudi Arabia’s approval for an additional 350 pilgrims.
“The government has 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 by 350 more, 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 that the appeal would receive due consideration.
