HAJ QUOTA REMAINS AT 30,200
Malaysia has requested that Saudi Arabia increase quota to 31,200, says Mujahid
THE haj quota for Malaysia remains at 30,200 next year, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa. However, he said, Malaysia had requested that Saudi Arabia increase the quota.
“I have raised the matter with Saudi Arabia’s haj and umrah minister during the annual meeting of haj ministers in Jeddah yesterday (Wednesday).”
He said based on Malaysia’s population, the quota should be 31,200.
“This is based on the 0.1 percentage of population set by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation 10 years ago,” he said at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport here yesterday.
He said the success of the haj pre-departure programme, which was implemented in Malaysia this year, would be taken into account by the Saudi Arabia government to continue the initiative next year.
He said the cost of performing the haj would remain at RM9,980.
He said Saudi Arabia lauded and acknowledged Tabung Haji’s (TH) efficiency in handling pilgrims this year.
“Tabung Haji is one of the world’s best haj management institutions. They (the Saudi Arabia government) were impressed by how we managed things, as well as Malaysian pilgrims’ good behaviour.”
On his and TH chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim’s conflicting statements on the alleged TH financial issues, Mujahid said his main concern was to resolve the issues.
“We stick to our plan. The most important thing is to heal TH and give the best services to Muslims.”