Minister: Tabung Haji has given over RM1 bil in subsidies

KUALA LUMPUR: The Tabung Haji (TH) board has given out over RM1 billion in haj subsidies since 2009, according to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Jamil Khir Baharom.

He said for the haj season last year, TH spent RM300 million in haj subsidies and expected the figure to reach RM400 million for 2018, following the rise in cost from next year.

“Increase in cost including for transport, accommodation, meals and so on will result in the actual cost of going for the haj to reach RM22,450 per person. Of this total, the pilgrims only pay RM9,980 while RM12,470 is borne through the TH subsidy system.

“It not only symbolises the financial strength of Tabung Haji but also the dedication of staff and support from corporate partners who are always with Tabung Haji,” he said in his speech at a ceremony commemorating the end of the 1438H/2017 haj operation and to appreciate TH’s corporate friends.

Also present were TH chairman Azeez Abdul Rahim, TH Group managing director and CEO Johan Abdullah as well as representatives of government and private agencies that helped facilitate the recent haj season.

A total of 42,200 Malaysian pilgrims performed the haj this year. -FMT