Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Jamil Khir Baharom said the cost for Malaysians to perform the Haj this year would remain at RM9,980 for the first-timers and the Haj quota for Malaysia will also maintained at 28,000 people.

He said the decision on the quota was reached at the annual joint meeting with the Saudi Arabian Haj Ministry represented by its Minister Dr Bandar Mohammed Al-Hajjar and other relevant ministries and agencies held in Jeddah two days ago.

Jamil Khir who arrived at the KL International Airport today from Jeddah, said he had also asked for an additional quota for Malaysian pilgrims during the meeting.

On the cost of the trip being maintained this season, he said it was a privilege for Malaysian pilgrims as the government and Tabung Haji agreed to it although the cost of accommodation had gone up by 15 percent from last year’s.

He added that for those on their second Haj trip to accompany their wife/husband, parents or disabled child, the cost would remain at RM14,880.

Jamil Khir said out of the eight million Tabung Haji depositors, 850,000 had registered to perform the Haj this year but priority would be given to those aged 75 and above.

The first Haj flight from Malaysia will be on Sept 17 and the last expected to be on Nov 29.

The minister said Malaysia had booked 16 hotels including three new ones in Mecca for its Haj pilgrims this time, while four other hotels in Medina had also been booked.

Meanwhile, he disclosed that a Malaysian pilgrim from the last Haj season, Omar Din, 77, from Kedah, was still in coma and being treated at King Abdullah Hospital for lung infection and urinary problem.

“The patient’s wife and children went over to visit him on Feb 29, with their airfares borne by Tabung Haji while the patient’s treatment is paid for by the Saudi Arabian government. We are thankful for their assistance,” said Jamil Khir, who also visited the patient during his meeting trip there.

On the case of Umrah pilgrims from Malaysia stranded or cheated by irresponsible agents, he said he would hold a special meeting with the relevant parties including the Tourism Ministry and travel agents to discuss the issue.

“Tabung Haji is not involved in such cases. Nevertheless, this problem cannot be allowed to continue. We will assist as we have the capacity as well as good relations with the Saudi Arabian government,” he said.

- Bernama