KUALA LUMPUR, 19 JANUARY 2024 – Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) will start issuing its Hajj Offer Letters for the 1445H/2024M hajj season to 31,600 pilgrims beginning from today.

Pilgrims must ensure the availability of funds for their Hajj Payment and pass their medical examination before they can reply to the offer letter within 11 working days through the THiJARI app or in certain cases, by visiting any nearby TH branches.

TH will also continue to provide targeted Hajj Financial Assistance (HAFIS) this year for Muassasah pilgrims in B40 and M40 groups despite an increase in the cost of the hajj.

The cost for one Muassasah (basic package) pilgrim to implement the hajj in 1445H/2024M has risen by 8% to RM33,300 compared with RM30,850 in 1444H/2023M. As a result, the Hajj Payment for one B40 Muassasah pilgrim in 2024 is RM12,356.

The payment is net after allowing for a RM1,000 assistance from the government, reflecting its concern for B40 pilgrims. B40 pilgrims continue to receive HAFIS and government assistance amounting to RM20,944 per person, which is equivalent to 63% of the full Hajj Cost.

The Hajj Payment for one M40 Muassasah pilgrim is RM19,152. M40 pilgrims continue to receive HAFIS of RM14,148 per person, which is equivalent to 42% of the full Hajj Cost.

The T20 Group bears the full cost of hajj which is RM33,300 per person.

The expenditure for hajj covers the entire value chain of hajj services.

This includes accommodation, flights, meals, visa, services in Malaysia and in the Holy Land including Masyair operations, transportation, management, health and other operational costs.

“TH is exposed to factors that are not within its control such as inflation, foreign exchange, the rise in value added tax and service charges in the Holy Land,” said TH Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Syed Hamadah Syed Othman.

For pilgrims whose turn is not yet due but they appeal to perform hajj, they bear the full cost.

However, this is not applicable to those making mahram appeals, chaperones for senior citizens, or chaperones for differently-abled pilgrims.

“In 2023, about 500 pilgrims have declined to accept HAFIS, either in full or partly, reflecting their appreciation and understanding of istito’ah (ability to perform).

TH hopes that more pilgrims will internalise this concept and may Allah SWT grants his blessings and mabrur hajj to our pilgrims,” Syed Hamadah said. Istito’ah or ability to perform the hajj is one of the conditions for hajj, covering financial, health, safety and being chosen in the hajj quota.

This is elaborated further in the National Hajj Muzakarah resolutions stating that pilgrims are responsible for their own expenses to perform the hajj. In its effort to manage cost increases,

TH has also entered into long term contracts for flights, accommodation, meal preparations and other services in Saudi Arabia.

“Despite the rise in hajj cost, TH continues to actively find effective methods to balance our effort in providing the best service for the country’s pilgrims and ensuring the sustainability of our financial position,” he added.

The Hajj Payment structure, where pilgrims in B40 and M40 groups enjoy HAFIS of between 42% and 63% of the actual cost, exerts some pressure on the financial position of TH.

Since 2001, TH has spent a total of RM2.4 bilion for HAFIS and it expects to spend another RM350.1 million for the 2024 hajj season.

Based on the quota provided by Saudi Arabia, a total of 31,600 people will receive their offer letters in comparison with almost four (4) million TH depositors that have registered and are still waiting to perform hajj.

In terms of pilgrim selection, TH will prioritise those whose turn are in 1444H/2023 and 1445H/2024.

This is based on the hajj registration system of first come, first serve. Hajj appeals through the online platform THiJARI will be open from 26 January 2024.

-ENDS-

FAQ – Hajj Payment For Season 1445H/2024M, More Info >