By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah
SEPANG, Jan 21 – Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr. Mohd. Na’im Mokhtar, has urged prospective Hajj pilgrims to only choose packages offered by 25 private Hajj Operators (PJH) that are licensed by Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) for easier monitoring and to prevent fraud.
Why you need to be careful about Hajj packages
Are you planning to perform Hajj, the sacred pilgrimage to Mecca, in 2024? If so, you need to be careful about choosing the right package for your journey. There are many fraudulent offers out there that can cost you your savings and your chance to fulfil your religious duty.
In recent years, numerous news reports related to fraud in Hajj and Umrah packages have been reported by the media. Mohd. Na’im said the government, particularly in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), takes this issue seriously and is committed to addressing fraud cases involving pilgrims who want to perform the Hajj through close collaboration with TH, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and registered companies under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC).
As we are aware, he pointed that this fraud has caused many prospective Hajj pilgrims to lose their savings, and some have been stranded at airports for days, unable to perform the Hajj.
This matter is an injustice to the public, especially prospective Hajj pilgrims. Additionally, it indirectly tarnishes Malaysia’s image in the eyes of the Saudi Arabian government.
“I want to remind the public that TH has never appointed any individual as an agent in matters related to Hajj and Hajj packages.I want to reiterate that individuals or companies offering Hajj package services without approval from Tabung Haji can face strict legal action under the Tabung Haji Act 1995, Act 535, he said at the official launch of 2024 Hajj, Umrah, and Tourism Carnival here on Friday.
He commended TH’s efforts in taking various approaches to periodically warn the public against dubious Hajj package offers through print media, electronic media, and social media platforms.
However, the minister said many are still deceived by the advertisements for Hajj packages. He stated that the advice also includes groups of pilgrims who obtain Furada and Mujamalah visas.
Minister in the PM’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr. Mohd. Na’im Mokhtar (third on the left)
How to choose the right package for your pilgrimage
Mohd Na’im convinced the prospective pilgrims not worry because all 25 PJH companies, including Tabung Haji Travel & Services Sdn. Bhd., have undergone rigorous evaluation processes and met the set criteria before being granted licenses.
Also present were the TH Group CEO Syed Hamadah Syed Othman; TH Executive Director of Hajj, Datuk Sri Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman, and President of the Association of Bumiputera Tourism Operators Malaysia (BUMITRA), Harun KC Ahmmu.
In challenging economic situation and the current cost of living, the minister the government has stipulated that the involved PJH companies offer an economic Hajj package (Rahmah Package) below RM50,000 to provide more options for prospective pilgrims from various segments of society.
“Tabung Haji is also exposed to factors beyond its control, such as the increase in inflation rates, value-added tax, and service charges in the Holy Land. The cost of performing Hajj increases every year, especially the costs incurred in Saudi Arabia,” he explained.
For the Hajj Season 1445H/2024, the total cost for a Hajj pilgrim is RM 33,300.00. “This increase is 8 percent from the cost of the Hajj Season 1444H/2023, which was RM 30,850.00.
This cost covers the entire range of Hajj services, including accommodation, flights, meals, visas, services during the stay in the Homeland and the Holy Land, including the masyair operation, transportation, welfare management costs, and the health of the pilgrims, among other operational costs.
He stated that the government has also agreed to set the Hajj payment rate for a first-time B40 group Muassasah pilgrim at RM13,356.
“Targeted financial aid is also given to Muassasah Hajj pilgrims for the B40 group, totaling RM 1,000. This means that with this additional assistance, Muassasah Hajj pilgrims from the B40 group will pay a Hajj cost of RM 12,356.00,” he shared.
He also said that B40 group prospective pilgrims would receive financial assistance of RM19,944 each, equivalent to 60 percent of the Hajj cost.
“The Hajj payment for M40 group Muassasah prospective pilgrims who perform the pilgrimage for the first time is RM19,152. M40 group prospective pilgrims will receive financial assistance of RM14,148 each, or 42 percent of the total Hajj cost. Meanwhile, the T20 group will be charged the full cost of performing Hajj, which is RM33,300 each,” he said.
In his speech earlier, TH Group CEO Syed Hamadah said: “When PJH companies are given a license, TH takes responsibility in developing PJH by organising courses and briefings to the management and staff so that they can provide the best service for prospective Hajj pilgrims, as well as promoting the Hajj packages offered by them.
He said the main objective of PJH service is to enable prospective Hajj pilgrims, especially those who are capable, to get the choice of value-added service in their Hajj journey.
Syed Hamadah said PJH service also opens opportunities for Bumiputera Muslim tourism agencies to handle prospective Hajj pilgrims more professionally, thus allowing TH to control the overall management of Hajj with the minimum cost burden.
He said the evaluation of PJH is not limited to obtaining a license, but will continue throughout the Hajj season where their performance will be audited, assessed and considered for license applications in the following years.
Over 8000 visitors attended the 2024 Hajj, Umrah, and Tourism Carnival on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the three-day Hajj, 2024 Umrah, and Tourism Carnival which ended Sunday was organised by TH, in collaboration with the Association of Bumiputera Tourism Operators Malaysia or Bumitra Malaysia, Movenpick Hotel and Convention Centre (MHCO) here.
The carnival, in its second year, aims to gather more than 10,000 visitors over the three-day event. Yesterday, more than 8000 visitors attended the carnival which offers the best services and products for their spiritual journey. With 140 booths featuring the best companies in Hajj affairs, including the 25 PJHs, visitors also able to discover the various options and financial aid available for different income groups.
– TNS News