KUALA LUMPUR: The inflation and taxation rate in Saudi Arabia and the high exchange rate of the US dollar and Saudi Riyal against the ringgit are among the reasons that contributed towards the cost of performing the haj to increase by 8% this year, says Senator Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar.
The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) said the rising cost to perform haj was inevitable because the costs involved are exposed to several factors beyond the control of Tabung Haji.
Mohd Nai’m said the cost to perform the haj is RM30,850 for each pilgrim for the 1444 Hijrah (2023) season, an 8% increase compared to RM28,632 for the 2022 season (1443 Hijrah).
“The ongoing development projects in Makkah and Madinah, which led to the demolition of accommodation for pilgrims has put pressure on the rental price market.
“There are also charges imposed by the Saudi Arabian authorities for various services for the welfare and comfort of pilgrims in the Holy Land,” he told the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (June 8).
Mohd Na’im was replying to a question from Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (PN-Kuala Krai) on the criteria used by the government to classify the B40, M40 and T20 groups in determining those who accepted the offer to perform the haj in 1444M and the number of pilgrims who accepted the offer this year.
The minister also explained the criteria to categorise the potential haj pilgrims candidates in the B40, M40 and T20 groups was based on background checks of the individuals’ income from the existing database.
“Tabung Haji identifies the candidates for haj in the B40 or M40 groups based on the government’s ‘Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah’ (Rahmah Cash Aid) list of recipients.
“The T20 groups are identified by monthly individual income of more than RM15,000, not based on the household income,” he said.
For the 2023 haj season, Mohd Na’im said 45.7% were selected in the B40 group, followed by 52.3% from the M40 category and 2% in the T20.
Mohd Na’im said the government offers subsidies or financial aid for those who appeal to perform their haj out of turn as long as the individual fulfils two conditions set by Tabung Haji.
“The full fee exemption or subsidy payment for haj is applicable to the mahram (blood relative) or guardian of pilgrims selected (by Tabung Haji) to perform their haj this year.
“For example, if the husband is selected to perform his haj this year, then the wife is able to file an appeal. If the husband is in the B40 group, then the wife is also eligible to receive subsidy or financial assistance for haj.
“Secondly, if the individual who made the appeal is a carer or guardian to the person selected for haj, they are also eligible for the full fee exemption.
“For example, the person is a carer of an elderly selected pilgrim who requires assistance,” he said.
Since 2022, Mohd Na’im said Tabung Haji has introduced targeted Haj Financial Assistance for the B40 and non-B40 groups.
He said the effort was continued this year for the B40 and M40 groups, while the T20 group is set for full payment of the haj pilgrimage fees.
