KUALA LUMPUR: Costs of performing the haj for the 1447H/ 2026M season will remain unchanged for all pilgrim groups, including the B40 category, says Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH).
Its 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 said 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.
Abdul Rashid said TH is estimated to bear RM210mil in haj financial assistance next year to ease the financial burden of eligible prospective pilgrims.
“TH is confident it can continue to provide an excellent standard of service. We will strive to maintain the high level of service that is expected of us,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, TH’s group managing director and chief executive officer Mustakim Mohamad said the pilgrimage fund has been able to stabilise costs through strategic measures, including early bookings and securing long-term rental contracts for accommodation.
“Several new accommodation buildings with modern facilities have been identified to provide greater comfort for our pilgrims,” he said.
Since the introduction of the haj financial assistance programme in 2001, TH has borne a cumulative cost exceeding RM2.72bil over 25 years, Bernama reported.
Separately, TH said offer letters for the 1447H/2026M haj season will be issued in stages to 31,600 prospective pilgrims starting tomorrow, while the appeal process via THiJARI platform will start on Nov 3 for those who do not receive an offer letter.
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 must have a minimum savings of at least RM15,000 with TH to be eligible or to submit an appeal. Passing a health screening is also a mandatory requirement.
