KLANG: Seventy-five haj pilgrims will be fully sponsored by the Selangor state government this year, says Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
The Mentri Besar said, in a statement Friday (March 6), that the decision was approved by the state executive council and will cost the Selangor government RM1.2mil.
“The number of fully sponsored pilgrims sees an increase of 29 people compared to 46 pilgrims who received full sponsorship last year," said Amirudin.
He added that the 75 pilgrims will also receive RM1,500 each contributed by the state government and Yayasan MBI.
On the conditions and requirements to qualify for the full sponsorship, Amirudin said the prerequisites will be worked out together with Lembage Tabung Haji and the Selangor Islamic Religious Affairs Department.
The findings will then be forwarded to obtain Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s approval.
Amirudin also mentioned about the safety concerns given the current uncertainty in the Middle East.
“The state government will work closely with Wisma Putra based on security guidelines so that the travel of the Selangor pilgrims is prioritised.
“I pray for the situation in the Middle East to return to peace and invite all parties involved to sit at the negotiating table as a way to resolve this conflict,” said Amirudin.
He added that the world must not allow a culture where international laws are violated, more so when ordinary citizens are the victims.
