TABUNG HAJI IN TALKS WITH SAUDI GLC
Saudi firm has good track record and can help build complexes in Mecca and Madinah, says TH
MECCA
TABUNG Haji (TH) is in talks with a Saudi government-linked company (GLC) to build its proposed TH complexes in the Holy Land. TH managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Johan Abdullah said the Saudi company had a good track record and was capable of meeting the pilgrims fund’s requirements.
“We don’t need a five- or six-star accommodation. Three-stars will do, with a capacity of 35,000 to 40,000 pilgrims during haj season,” he said here on Wednesday.
Johan said the proposed site here was not more than 500m from the Grand Mosque, while in Madinah, it was 150m from the Prophet’s Mosque.
“I anticipate that it will be a major investment, so it’s important that we consider how to sustain occupancy of the properties during the off (haj) season, for example, by targeting umrah travellers.”
Johan said TH decided to look at longterm accommodation, for Malaysian pilgrims to better manage costs, which were increasing every year.
“It is practical to have our own complex, like a Malaysian Village, here and in Madinah,” he said.
Malaysian pilgrims have been paying RM9,980 each to perform haj for the last 10 years, although the actual cost has risen every year to RM19,550 this year (RM18,890 last year).
TH’s subsidy every year is more than RM200 million.
On another matter, Johan said haj courses organised by TH in the future would focus more on the masyair phase so that pilgrims were better prepared for the toughest part of the pilgrimage.
He said the courses would include videos, live animation and practical examples.
The masyair phase involves pilgrims staying in tents in Arafah and Mina, and under the open sky in Muzdalifah.
Space is limited, so tents are congested, and pilgrims have to walk 3.5km to the Jamrat Complex for the Stoning of the Devil ritual.
“Grouses (that have) gone viral (are) quite apparent, but what’s viral is not always true. The situation is not as severe as what’s claimed.
“We must take into account restrictions faced by pilgrims, such as the weather, location and so on. Generally, we received positive feedback.”
Present was Datuk Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman, head of the Malaysian 1438H haj delegation.
TH’s 17-module haj course for next year is scheduled to start this December.
Johan said this year’s haj season went well, with no major unexpected or untoward incidents.
As of Sept 6, there were 176 Malaysian pilgrims warded in Saudi government hospitals (20) and the TH Syisyah Medical Centre (156).
There have been 35 deaths so far — in Madinah (four), Mina (seven), Arafah (two) and here (22). The ratio (one death per 1,177 pilgrims) is higher this year (1:1,860 last year) due to the participation of more elderly pilgrims.
Four pilgrims are in a coma and could not perform wukuf. Their welfare will be managed by TH officials, while arrangements are being made to fly in next-of-kin to visit them.
The first of 113 flights carrying Malaysian pilgrims home departed on Wednesday, and the last flight will be on Oct 4.
Johan thanked all parties who contributed to the smooth running of this year’s haj season, including the Malaysian and Saudi governments, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, and TH’s top management.
“I would like to thank TH officials in Malaysia and the Holy Land, medical staff, religious guides and experts, Sahabat Maktab volunteers and the media for their commitment and dedication.
“We also thank haj pilgrims for their cooperation, discipline and sacrifice.
“We pray that they have obtained haj mabrur (accepted by God) and return safely to their loved ones in Malaysia.”