KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 — 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. InsyaAllah (God willing), Tabung Haji (TH) will provide regular updates on this matter," she said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Marhamah was responding to Pasir Salak MP Jamaludin Yahya's supplementary query on whether the government would consider a more targeted selection model for prospective pilgrims. He noted that the data showed 50 per cent deferred their offers last year and 18 per cent this year, primarily due to financial constraints.
Jamaludin proposed enhancing the existing early registration policy by incorporating indicators of minimum financial capability, age, and pilgrims' readiness to prevent wasting resources by calling on those who are not yet prepared, especially since some depositors with sufficient savings are far down the waiting list.
Earlier, she 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.
For 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 it to other factors.
Replying to Port Dickson MP Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun's query about the government's efforts to ease access for TH depositors to perform the Haj without financial or health concerns, Marhamah said 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 said.
The deputy minister added 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.
