KUALA LUMPUR: The costs of performing the Haj for the 1447H/2026M season will remain unchanged for all pilgrim groups, including the B40 category.
In a statement today, Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain said this means the cost for pilgrims travelling under the Muassasah programme has not increased for three consecutive years, despite steadily increasing costs in the Holy Land.
He detailed that the payable rate for the B40 group remains at RM15,000 after receiving RM18,300 in Haj Financial Assistance. The M40 group will pay RM23,500 with RM9,800 in assistance, while T20 pilgrims will be charged the full rate of RM33,300.
He added that TH is estimated to bear RM210 million in Haj Financial Assistance next year to ease the financial burden on eligible prospective pilgrims.
"TH is confident it can continue to provide an excellent standard of service. We are proud of the Diamond Award for the Labaytum programme received last season, which brought honour to Malaysia. We will strive to maintain the high level of service that is expected of us," he said.
Abdul Rashid expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his support and for maintaining the RM1,000 aid to every B40 pilgrim.
Meanwhile, TH's group managing director and chief executive officer, Mustakim Mohamad, explained that the pilgrimage fund has been able to stabilise costs through strategic measures, such as making early bookings and securing long-term rental contracts for accommodation, which shield pilgrims from the effects of inflation in Mecca and Madinah
"Several new accommodation buildings with modern facilities have been identified to provide greater comfort for our pilgrims. TH has also sealed a five-year flight contract to mitigate the impact of volatile airfares," he added.
Since the introduction of the Haj Financial Assistance programme in 2001, TH has borne a cumulative cost exceeding RM2.72bil over 25 years.
In a separate announcement, TH said offer letters for the 1447H/2026M Hajj season will be issued in stages to 31,600 prospective pilgrims starting this Friday (Oct 24).
For those who do not receive an offer letter, TH will open an appeal process starting Nov 3 via the THiJARI platform.
Appeals will be processed based on several criteria, including the length of time since Haj registration, the applicant's age, their average savings balance with TH and the number of previous appeals.
Prospective pilgrims are reminded that they must have a minimum savings of at least RM15,000 with TH to be eligible for a Haj offer or to submit an appeal. Passing a health screening is also a mandatory requirement.
TH further advises all prospective pilgrims to promptly update their personal details to ensure they do not miss their opportunity.
They can check their position in the queue through the digital THiJARI channels or by visiting the nearest TH branch. - Bernama
