Haj: Gov't Reviews Selection Process To Focus On Financial Capability, Age, Readiness

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- The government is reviewing proposals to improve the selection process for Haj pilgrims by focusing on their financial capability, age, and readiness.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Marhamah Rosli said this matter is still under consideration, as various aspects, including the cost of performing the Haj and the set quota, need to be evaluated.

"We cannot overlook factors regarding Haj costs and quotas, several issues must be taken into account. Insya'Allah, Tabung Haji (TH) will provide regular updates on this matter," she said during the question-and-answer session in Parliament today.

She was responding to a supplementary question from Jamaludin Yahya (PN-Pasir Salak), who asked whether the government would consider a more targeted selection model for prospective pilgrims, as data showed that 50 per cent of them chose to defer their offers last year, with 18 per cent doing so this year, primarily due to financial constraints.

Jamaludin proposed enhancing the existing early registration policy by incorporating indicators of minimum financial capability, age, and readiness of the pilgrims, to prevent wasting resources when calling on those who are not yet prepared, especially since there are depositors with sufficient savings who are far down the waiting list.

Earlier, Marhamah noted that only 18 per cent of prospective pilgrims this season deferred their offers, a significant decrease compared to the previous year's 50 per cent.

She said among those who deferred, 10 per cent cited insufficient savings, while 36 per cent had health issues, 37 per cent faced personal matters, and 17 per cent attributed to other factors.

Replying to a question from Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun (PH-Port Dickson) about the government's efforts to ease access for TH depositors to perform Haj without financial or health concerns, Marhamah shared that  over 53 per cent of the 9.7 million depositors had savings of less than RM1,300.

"This calls for TH to implement more structured, systematic, and sustainable strategic measures, including launching long-term systematic saving initiatives for the benefit of our depositors.

"As such, TH is committed to implementing comprehensive and phased improvements, to help depositors plan their Haj savings more effectively and prepare for their financial capability," she added.

She also said that TH is enhancing education for prospective pilgrims by inviting them to attend basic courses as early as two years before their turn to help them prepare for their health needs.

-- BERNAMA