The government plans to purchase an aircraft specially for Malaysian pilgrims to Mecca, says Second Finance Minister Dr Jamaludin Jarjis.

This is in order to lower the costs of the pilgrimage and make it more affordable, especially for those in the lower-income group, he was quoted in a Bernama report today.

"The government hopes Tabung Haji (Pilgrimage Board) can find ways (to lower haj costs) and we will help, like purchasing aircraft for cheaper air fares and supporting other approaches to reduce costs," he told reporters after handing over contributions to the poor in Rompin, Pahang last night.

Air fares costly

Present arrangements, whereby the government subsidiary Penerbangan Malaysia Bhd (PMB) leases aircraft from international airlines to bring pilgrims to the Holy land, costs a husband and wife nearly RM20,000 to perform the haj, said Jamaludin.

Haj costs can be reduced if PNM purchases the aircraft to be operated by Malaysia Airlines (MAS), as air fares alone take up one third of the costs, he said.

He did not disclose, however, further details on the aircraft purchase.