SHAH ALAM, Sept 11 – Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) depositors with a minimum savings balance of RM15,000 will automatically be eligible to join the queue for the haj pilgrimage.
The automatic eligibility falls under the latest haj preparation plan, Seruan Istito’ah which was launched today.
Existing depositors have until December 31, 2028 to reach the RM15,000 balance.
From January 1, 2029, the haj queue will be reorganised based on registration dates and the date the RM15,000 deposit is reached.
TH said the measure aims to help Malaysians prepare for the haj in a more systematic, convenient and achievable manner.
TH chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain said the initiative takes into account feedback from depositors nationwide who wanted clearer guidance and a more structured pathway to prepare for the pilgrimage.
"This initiative aims to help Muslims in Malaysia realise their intentions into action.
“Those who save consistently and plan ahead with us will be in a better position to achieve their dream of performing the haj," he said in a statement.
TH said nearly 50 per cent of depositors who previously received haj offer letters had to postpone their plans.
The cost of performing the haj has now reached RM33,300 per person.
"The minimum savings balance requirement of RM15,000 was introduced in 2025 as a condition for receiving a haj offer letter, which has proven effective, successfully reducing the deferral rate to 18 per cent compared to the 50 per cent average seen in previous years.
"A key feature of this plan is the implementation of a more systematic and dynamic haj eligibility system; this replaces the existing registration and queue management processes without compromising the 'first-come, first-served' principle," he said.
Meanwhile, TH Group managing director and chief executive officer Mustakim Mohamad said the Seruan Istito’ah also guides depositors in planning their savings well in advance.
"Knowing the savings target and starting early makes haj preparation easier; smoother; and more achievable," he said in the same statement.
Mustakim added that TH had also provided a haj savings calculator on its new website to help individuals plan their monthly savings based on their specific timeframes and targets.
Starting September 19, TH will introduce the Tabung Istito’ah, an initiative to help Malaysians develop a more systematic and focused savings discipline.
Through the Multi-Fund facility, Mustakim said depositors can also maintain two separate funds within a single TH account: the general fund (Tabung Am) and the Tabung Istito’ah.
"The general fund serves as the primary fund for standard savings and withdrawal transactions, just as before.
"The Istito'ah Fund aims to help depositors save voluntarily with greater discipline and focus in preparation for performing the Hajj, while simultaneously serving as a benchmark for their financial readiness in line with the principle of Istito'ah.
"Through the Istito'ah Initiative, TH continues to strengthen its role as the preferred Islamic savings institution, aligning with the aspirations of the late Royal Professor Tan Sri Dr Ungku Aziz, and as a trusted institution in guiding Malaysian Muslims towards fulfilling the fifth pillar of Islam."
