From Shahrullizan Rusli
JEDDAH, Oct 18 (Bernama) – Tabung Haji (TH) has gained recognition from the international community in managing haj pilgrims prompting some countries to invite TH to open branches over there.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said TH’s success have attracted travel operators handling Christian groups to visit their holy land of Vatican City and Jerusalem.
“Tabung Haji’s management system has become a benchmark for the international community, regardless of their religious affiliations,” he told reporters shortly after arriving here to perform the pilgrimage.
Jamil Khir is expected to deliver the wukuf sermon to Malaysian pilgrims when Muslims around the world perform the wukuf at Mt Arafat on Thursday.
Almost annually TH received application from other countries to study Malaysia’s success in the pilgrimage fund management system.
He said annually, the government and TH made improvements and these things were sometimes not recognised by haj pilgrims.
“Last year, we spent RM100 million to subsidise the pilgrimage as the cost keep rising annually.
“We charge RM9,980 for the fare but the actual cost has risen to RM15,150. This means that we give RM5,170 in subsidies and bonuses for each pilgrim.”
TH also placed pilgrims about 900 metres from the Grand Mosque (Masjidil Haram) while pilgrims from other countries stay two to three kilometres away.
“This year we also get sponsorship of drugs and equipment worth RM11 million,” said Jamil Khir.
Some 27,288 Malaysian pilgrims are already in the holy land to perform the pilgrimage and celebrate Aidiladha.
— BERNAMA
