KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) has demonstrated its commitment to aid pilgrims by not increasing the cost of performing the haj since 2009.
He said the cost of performing the haj remains at RM9,980 per person, with a subsidy of almost RM8,000 per person, totalling about RM160 million this year.
“Nowhere else in the world can one find such a deal.
“When prices of so many things had gone up, we stayed firm on not increase the haj costs.
“This goes to show that without a doubt, TH is committed to protecting the welfare of the haj pilgrims,” he said.
Najib pointed out that the interest of the depositors had also been protected with satisfying returns from investments made by TH.
He expressed regret that some people politicising issues concerning investments made by TH.
These included the decision to buy a plot of land for the development of a residential tower within the upcoming financial district, Tun Razak Exchange (TRX).
Najib said the detractors were proven wrong as the value had since gone up tremendously, making it a good investment.
The prime minister was speaking at the launch of the Yayasan Tabung Haji at the TH Complex in Kelana Jaya this morning.
The welfare foundation, with an initital allocation of RM5 million, is set up with the purpose of providing aid in education and relief in times of natural disaster.
Najib said the setting up of TH by the government more than 50 years ago was the right decision
He said some Islamic countries try to replicate the success of TH but have not been able to do so until today.
“In the 50 years that TH have been around to help the socio-economic status of the Muslims, we can see that TH is now an institution we can be proud of as it had met its objectives.
"I hope that TH would continue to be a source of pride not only among Malaysians but also renowned the world over,” he said.