SHAH ALAM, Nov 12 — The Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) and TH Travel and Services Sdn Bhd (THTS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to offer estate administration, will-writing, and hibah (asset gifting) services to prospective Haj and umrah pilgrims.
MAIS secretary Mohd Sabirin Mohd Sarbini said the strategic partnership will also provide THTS customers and employees with direct access to Syariah-compliant estate-planning advice before departing for Saudi Arabia.
“Through this partnership, will-writing and hibah services will be offered as value-added options in Haj and umrah packages, giving pilgrims peace of mind and allowing them to focus on their worship without worry.
“This will also help address any potential estate-related issues in advance, safeguarding the welfare of family members left behind at home,” he said during a media conference after the MOU signing ceremony today.
Sabirin added that the initiative is a proactive measure to address an estimated RM90 billion worth of Muslim assets that have not been properly administered.
He signed the document for MAIS, while THTS was represented by its chief executive officer Tengku Datuk Badlishah Shukri Tengku Ibrahim, with MAIS Baitulmal director Indera Shahril Mohd Shahid and THTS commercial general manager Nik Zuraini Zulkifli witnessing the event.
Sabirin said the proposal to include the services in THTS travel packages had undergone detailed discussions and thorough system preparations between both parties, with implementation expected to begin soon.
The planning took into account next year's earlier Haj departure schedule and the expected increase in umrah pilgrims during the winter season and early part of the year.
“MAIS has always encouraged the proper management of assets through instruments such as hibah and wills, as estate planning should not be left until after a person dies but should be undertaken during their lifetime.
“This collaborative approach with corporate partners such as THTS could serve as a stepping stone and a sustained platform to raise public awareness of the importance of inheritance planning in accordance with Islamic law,” he said.
