By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah
TH Group CEO, Syed Hamadah Syed Othman (in the middle) at a press conference announcing the distribution of Hajj Offer Letters to prospective pilgrims (pix courtesy of TH)
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 20 – Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) has commenced the distribution of Hajj Offer Letters to 31,600 prospective pilgrims starting Friday (Jan 19) for the upcoming year 1445H/2024M, marking the beginning of this significant religious journey.
However, this year’s pilgrimage season unfolds against the backdrop of increased financial challenges, prompting TH to navigate a delicate balance between providing crucial financial aid and ensuring the sustainability of its financial position.
What is TH and how does it help pilgrims perform Hajj?
Every year, millions of Muslims around the world aspire to perform Hajj, the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. However, not everyone can afford the expenses involved in this sacred journey, especially those from low- and middle-income groups.
That is why TH, the Malaysian hajj pilgrims fund board, has been providing targeted financial aid for prospective Hajj participants from the B40 and M40 groups, despite the increased cost of performing the Hajj ritual.
TH has started issuing Hajj offer letters to 31,600 pilgrims for the year 1445H/2024M, beginning Friday. Prospective pilgrims are required to complete the Hajj payment and pass a health examination before responding to the offer letter within 11 working days through the THiJARI application. In certain cases, individuals can also visit any nearby TH branch.
How much does it cost to perform Hajj in 2024?
The Hajj cost for a Muassasah prospective Hajj participant for the Hajj season 1445H/2024M has increased by 8% to RM33,300 compared to RM30,850 in the year 1444H/2023M. Muassasah is a system of Hajj management that provides accommodation, transportation, and other services for pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
However, TH will subsidise the cost for the B40 and M40 groups, who will pay RM12,356 and RM19,152 per person respectively, after receiving financial aid and government assistance. The T20 group will be required to pay the full Hajj cost, which is RM33,300 per person.
Hajj expenses cover the entire range of Hajj services, including accommodation, flights, meals, visas, services during the pilgrimage in the Holy Land, among other operational expenses.
“TH is also exposed to external factors such as an increase in inflation rates, value-added tax, and service charges in the Holy Land,” said TH Group CEO, Syed Hamadah Syed Othman said at a press conference when announcing the distribution of Hajj Offer Letters to pilgrims here Friday.
How does TH subsidise the cost for B40 and M40 groups?
He said that prospective Hajj participants who appeal out of turn to perform the Muassasah Hajj must pay the full Hajj cost unless they have valid reasons, such as being a mahram or an assistant to another pilgrim.
He also said that in 2023, 500 pilgrims rejected aid either in full or in part, reflecting an understanding of the istito’ah concept, which is a mandatory condition for the Hajj, encompassing aspects of financial ability, health, safety, and being selected within the Hajj quota.
This is explained through resolutions of the National Hajj Conference that stipulate prospective Hajj participants are responsible for the actual expenses of performing the Hajj. In an effort to control the rising cost of the Hajj, TH has also signed long-term contract agreements involving flights, accommodation, meals, and several services in Saudi Arabia.
“Although there is an increase in the cost of the Hajj, TH is still seeking the best way to balance efforts to provide excellent services for the welfare of the nation’s pilgrims while maintaining the sustainability of financial positions,” he added.
This payment structure, where B40 and M40 Hajj participants enjoy financial aid for Hajj up to 42% and 60% of the actual cost, respectively, will put pressure on TH’s financial position. Since 2001, TH has spent a total of RM2.4 billion on financial aid for Hajj and is expected to finance costs amounting to RM350.1 million for the 2024 Hajj season.
How to apply for Hajj with TH’s financial aid?
Based on the quota provided by the Saudi Arabian Government, 31,600 individuals will receive Hajj offer letters compared to nearly four (4) million TH depositors who have registered and are still waiting for their turn to perform the Hajj. For the selection of prospective pilgrims,
TH will prioritize those who were left over from the year 1444H/2023 and those scheduled for 1445H/2024 based on the first-come-first-served registration system. Appeals for Hajj through the THiJARI online platform will open from January 26, 2024.
Why is the financial aid for Hajj important for Malaysians?
The financial aid for Hajj is a testament to TH’s commitment to help low- and middle-income Malaysians fulfil their religious obligation and aspiration. It also reflects the Malaysian government’s concern and support for the welfare of the Muslim community. By making Hajj more accessible and affordable, TH hopes to strengthen the faith and unity of the nation’s pilgrims.
– TNS News