KUALA LUMPUR: Lembaga Tabung Haji’s restructuring and recovery plan had placed the pilgrims fund’s finances on a strong footing, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hassan.
Restoring the financial position, strengthening governance and accountability, improving the quality of investments; providing sustainable returns to depositors; maintaining the affordability of the pilgrimage trip, and protecting the welfare and interests of depositors were among the key pillars of the reform process.
During his briefing in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Aug 11), he said the pilgrims fund has cleaned up its balance sheet and rebuilt its financial reserves.
“Tabung Haji also recorded the highest investment income in its history, amounting to RM4.64bil in 2025, driven by improved investment quality and stronger governance and transparency in the management of the institution,” he said.
He said the cost of performing Hajj has also been maintained at RM33,300 for three consecutive seasons, from 2024 to 2026, despite inflation having increased by 250% between 2001 and 2023.
He added that Tabung Haji had managed to contain the pilgrimage trip cost by limiting increases in air travel costs through long-term contracts, and by reducing hotel accommodation costs by negotiating directly with building owners for newer, higher-quality accommodation rather than going through third parties.
“Stronger governance has also contributed to improvements in the quality of Hajj services provided to Malaysian pilgrims,” he said.
He said under the current leadership, Tabung Haji has successfully returned to a stronger and more sustainable footing through the implementation of strategic plans, institutional reforms and improved governance, without the government’s interference.
