Tabung Haji has channelled RM125 million in subsidy for Malaysian Haj pilgrims this season compared with RM100 million last year, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Jamil Khir Baharom said today.  

He said the cost of subsidy borne was more than RM5,000 for each pilgrim performing the Haj for the first time.

Jamil Khir said Malaysia offered a low cost for the Haj compared to other countries in the region.

“When we compare, Brunei charges around RM18,000, Singapore also charges around RM18,000, Indonesia’s rates depend on the area, whereby in Jakarta it costs around RM15,000.

“In Thailand, it costs between RM16,000 and RM18,000,” he said in reply to a supplementary question from Ismail Mohamed Said (BN-Kuala Krau) regarding the difference in haj charges for Malaysian pilgrims and those from neighbouring countries, in the Dewan Rakyat.

Jamil Khir said the cost imposed on each Malaysian pilgrim for 40 days, including return flight, accommodation, food and others, was RM9,980 compared to the actual cost of RM15,150.  

Replying to a question from Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian), he said construction had begun on a new complex to replace the Tabung Haji Complex in Kelana Jaya.

The new complex was located near the KL International Airport (KLIA).     

He said the complex was built in Kelana Jaya then because of its proximity to Subang airport, which has now relocated to Sepang.

- Bernama

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