TH’S HAJ MANAGEMENT DEEMED EXEMPLARY
THE 34th edition of the national-level Muzakarah Haji continues to draw interest from international participants who are keen to learn Tabung Haji’s (TH) experience in haj management.
The four-day Muzakarah Haji attracted more than 400 participants from Turkey, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei and Malaysia.
Local participants praised TH’s detailed planning which ensured pilgrims performed their haj comfortably.
They are also amazed at how TH is able to keep the cost at just RM9,980 for each Malaysian haj pilgrim, despite escalating costs.
In comparison, Cambodian pilgrims pay between US$3,500 (RM14,428) and US$4,500 each, while Thai pilgrims paid between US$5,400 and US$6,000 each.
Pilgrims from Singapore paid between S$7,000 and S$15,000 each.
In Cambodia, Thailand and Singapore, the haj packages are arranged by appointed agents from the respective countries.
For Malaysian haj trainer from Perlis, Ramli Ibrahim, affordable costs for Malaysian pilgrims did not mean TH cut corners in terms of services rendered.
“All aspects of pilgrims’ welfare are well taken care of, from the time they left for the holy land until their arrival home.
“Throughout my six years as a haj trainer, the question of TH cutting corners has never arisen. TH strives to give the very best to all haj pilgrims.”
He added that the subsidy of more than RM12,000 for each pilgrim from TH was well received.
“New challenges arise each time (during the haj season), so the discussions help prepare pilgrims to face whatever comes their way,” said Ramli, and independent preacher.
Echoing his sentiment was haj trainer from Selangor, Yusnah Yusuf, who said the RM9,980 cost for each pilgrim was similar to the amount paid for those performing the umrah for 12 days and 10 nights.
“We are talking about spending about 50 days in the holy land. The cost is very appropriate, as it covers not only the hotel and transportation but also other incidentals,” she added, urging pilgrims to prepare ahead of time for the trip.
For Highest Council Islamic Religious Affairs Cambodia assistant Sos Norun, TH’s management of the haj was a good example.
“Since TH’s management of haj is well recognised, we can learn from them to ensure our country can better manage the haj preparation and process.”
Adviser of secretary-general of The Central Islamic Council of Thailand, Dr Muhammad Amin Chenu, said although there were many haj models available, Malaysia’s was recognised as among the best.
“It is our hope that the Thai government will also set up an institution similar to TH in future,” he said.
Director of asset services and finance of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore Norhayati Haron said its participation in the Muzakarah Haji was insightful.
“It is good for representatives from around the region and Turkey to come together to share their experience and knowledge.”