RUMOURS about the closure of public service branches can create unnecessary panic.
Recently, questions arose regarding the status of Tabung Haji's branches.
Is it true that no branches have been closed?
Verdict:
FALSE
No branches of Tabung Haji, including those in rural areas, have been closed so far, said Dr Zulkifli Hasan, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), during a Q&A session in Parliament on Thursday (July 24).
"There are no branches closed," he said.
"However, based on records, branches with very low transaction numbers will be replaced by a new product or initiative called Tabung Haji Gerak," he explained, adding that Tabung Haji Gerak is a mobile counter operating from one location to another.
He added that its schedule would be announced via social media and websites to facilitate public access to information and attendance at the counter.
He stated this while responding to an additional question from Datuk Seri Ismail Abd Muttalib (PN-Maran) who wanted to know the number of Tabung Haji offices in states and districts and claimed that some offices would be closed.
According to Zulkifli, there are currently 107 Tabung Haji branches still operating nationwide.
Meanwhile, when responding to the difficulty some Malaysian pilgrims face in registering biometric data via the Saudi Visa Bio application, he informed that the issue is within the knowledge of his department.
He said the problem is due to technical factors like mobile device compatibility, facial or fingerprint scanning inaccuracies, and the need for the application system to be upgraded according to current needs.
"For the Hajj Season 1446H/2025M, Tabung Haji has taken several proactive measures to assist Malaysian pilgrims in using this application more easily," he noted.
Tabung Haji also provides complete guidance and support to pilgrims through the official TH portal at www.tabunghaji.gov.my to download and use the Saudi Visa Bio application.
ReferenceS:
