KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 19 — Tabung Haji (TH) today announced that the cost for first-time Malaysian muassasah pilgrims from the B40 group to perform haj this year is at RM12,356 per person.
TH Group managing director and chief executive officer Syed Hamadah Syed Othman said the cost for first-time pilgrims from the M40 group, meanwhile, will be at RM19,152 per person.
For comparison, the cost for performing haj for the B40 and M40 groups last year was RM10,980 and RM15,980 respectively.
Hamadah said the increase is due to the rise in cost of performing the haj for muassasah pilgrims, from RM30,850 last year to RM33,300 this year.
The government has also agreed to subsidise RM1,000 per pilgrim for the haj season, he added.
“Each pilgrim from the B40 group will receive RM20,944 in haj financial aid and government assistance, which is 63 per cent of the overall cost.
“Those from the M40 group will receive RM14,148 in aid, or 42 per cent of the total cost per person,” he told a press conference on the haj cost and offer letter for the 1445H/2024M haj season at Menara TH today.
Hamadah said for the T20 group, a full payment of RM33,000 per person will be imposed to perform the haj.
“Despite the rising cost of haj, we continue to seek the best methods to balance efforts in providing excellent services for the welfare of Malaysian pilgrims while maintaining financial sustainability.
“In fact, TH has entered into long-term contract agreements involving flights, accommodation, meals, and various services in Saudi Arabia in a bid to control the rising cost,” he said.
Nevertheless, TH is also exposed to factors beyond its control, including the increase in inflation rates, value-added tax, and service charges in the Holy Land.
“This hajj payment structure, where M40 and B40 pilgrims enjoy financial aid of up to 42 per cent and 63 per cent of the actual cost respectively, will put pressure on TH’s financial position,” Hamadah said.
TH has spent a cumulative total of RM2.4 billion in financial aid for haj since 2001 and is expected to spend another RM350.1 million for this year’s haj operations.
— Bernama
