Malaysia offers cheapest haj package – TH
KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia is set to have its own complex building in Mecca and Madinah to centralise the nation's haj pilgrims who visit the Holy Land.
Tabung Haji chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim said the Saudi Arabian government had agreed to the proposal and even offered plots of land for the complex.
"Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak mooted the idea to King Salman Abdulaziz Al Saud during his majesty's visit to the country earlier this year, to have a complex erected specifically for Malaysian haj pilgrims so that they will not be separated while performing their pilgrimage.
"King Salman has graciously agreed to the proposal and even suggested a few plots of land, including Saudi ministry-owned land," said Azeez, adding that he would be visiting the Holy Land this haj season to acquire approval on the project.
In his address during a pilgrimage departure ceremony on Tuesday night, Azeez implored pilgrims to uphold the country's reputation as an exemplified nation of Muslims performing haj in Mecca.
He said in the last 15 years, Malaysia had been a model country recognised by other Muslim countries in all matters of pilgrimage and umrah.
"Other Muslim countries even request that Tabung Haji share our module or template so that they can duplicate it in their country.
"Furthermore, it's important to maintain our reputation as it makes it easier for us to request our haj quota every year."
Azeez said as a result of good relations between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, King Salman agreed to increase this year's haj quota to 30,200 pilgrims.
Of 80 countries that send haj pilgrims to Mecca, Malaysia offers the lowest priced package at RM9,980 as opposed to standard costs reaching up to RM19,550.
The government further subsidises haj costs, spending up to RM260 million this year, according to Azeez.
In addition, 660 haj officers comprising safety and welfare personnel, specialist doctors and even dentists will accompany haj pilgrims to the Holy Land.
A total of 160 pilgrims departed to perform the haj on Wednesday morning on board Malaysia Airlines and Flynas chartered flights.
This haj season, 114 chartered flights are provided to transport a total of 30,200 pilgrims to Mecca, with the last flight on August 26.
Azeez also expressed confidence in the measures taken by the Saudi government to ensure the safety of pilgrims worldwide.
"The congregation should rest assured that the Saudi government has the situation under control and devote full attention to performing haj," he said.