SHAH ALAM, March 6 — The state government has approved full sponsorship for 75 prospective Hajj pilgrims from Selangor, an increase of 29 people from the 46 who received the same benefit last year.
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said the decision was made during the Selangor State Executive Council meeting as part of efforts to assist residents in performing the fifth pillar of Islam.
To ease their travel arrangements, the state government and the Yayasan Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) or MBI will also provide an RM1,500 incentive to the 75 pilgrims.
He said the cost of RM1.2 million will be borne fully by the state government.
“The number of pilgrims fully sponsored this year represents an increase of 29 people compared with the 46 pilgrims who received full sponsorship last year,” Amirudin said in a statement today.
He added that the determination of requirements and eligibility for sponsorship recipients will be carried out in collaboration with Lembaga Tabung Haji, with recommendations from the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS).
The proposal will subsequently be presented to the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj for consent.
Meanwhile, the state government is also considering the current developments in the Middle East, which remain uncertain.
“The state government will work closely with Wisma Putra based on safety guidelines so that the travel arrangements of Selangor's pilgrims are prioritised.
“I pray that the situation in the Middle East returns to peace and urge all parties involved to return to the negotiating table as a way to resolve this conflict,” Amirudin said, noting that the world cannot allow the culture of violating international law to become normalised, especially when civilians become the victims.
