30 Pct Of Haj Pilgrims Opt For PJH Packages This Year - TH

From Amirul Mohd Sajadi

MAKKAH, May 6 (Bernama) -- A total of 30 per cent of eligible haj pilgrims this year have opted for packages offered by pilgrimage operators (PJH), up from 28.3 per cent last season.

TH operations director for pilgrimage operators Anwar Ahmad said 34 PJH firms, including TH Travel & Services, are licensed this season to handle Malaysian pilgrims.

“The increase reflects growing demand for private firms' premium packages, such as hotels nearer to Masjidil Haram or Masjid Nabawi, smaller room occupancy, and business-class flights,” he said during a media conference here today.

He said this season's PJH packages range from about RM55,000 up to over RM250,000, based on the services and amenities pilgrims choose.

Meanwhile, Anwar said TH has stationed monitoring teams in Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah and Masyair to ensure PJH firms meet licence conditions and deliver on promises to pilgrims.

He also urged the public to deal only with TH-licensed PJH companies and verify via the official website, TH Contact Centre, or TH offices to avoid scams.

Meanwhile, on celebrities brought by PJH firms to the Holy Land, Anwar said they are allowed only as companions or motivational icons, not as religious guides.

He said the rule is essential to ensure that explanations of the haj pillars, obligations, ihram restrictions, and worship practices are given only by qualified, TH-recognised individuals.

"If a company wants to bring celebrities along, that's their call... but when it comes to explaining about or guiding pilgrims on haj rituals, only those certified by Tabung Haji are allowed.

"We have systems and checks in place, and we know exactly who is certified," he told reporters.

Anwar said every PJH company must also provide at least one TH-certified religious guide to ensure pilgrims receive accurate advice during their stay in the Holy Land.

-- BERNAMA