KOTA BARU: The government will hold a special meeting to study and decide on the cost of haj for Malaysians.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Ahmad Marzuk Shaary said the goverment would ensure that the costs would not burden the people although Saudi Arabia is expected to increase the costs.
He added the government would continue to provide subsidy to those who planned to perform the haj.
"The cost of haj for Malaysians has not increased for many years and the government will take into consideration various aspects before deciding to raise the cost," he told reporters after presenting cash aid to 337 excellent students at his Parliament centre here today.
Ahmad Marzuk who is Pengkalan Chepa MP said the government also realised that the Saudi Arabia government had to increase the cost following the enforcement of Covid-19 new standard operating procedures (SOP).
"We were informed that the Saudi Arabia government has imposed several additional taxes following the implementation of the SOP.
"We will discuss the cost in a meeting soon but will ensure it will not burden the people," he said.
It was reported that Saudi Arabia decided to increase the cost because of physical distancing as well as hotel room and bus capacity limits.
On Aug 1, Saudi Arabia reopened its doors to tourists from 49 countries, including Malaysia, by simplifying procedures in obtaining an entry visa for a period of one year and allowing a stay of up to 90 days in the country.
The haj is the fifth pillar of Islam and is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey.