By Fitri Hazim Hazam
SHAH ALAM, Sept 19 — The Muassasah Haj Incentive for pilgrims from this state will be improved to ease their financial burden, according to the Selangor Menteri Besar (Incorporated) or MBI.
MBI Foundation head Ahmad Azri Zainal Nor said the initiative includes providing death benefit assistance and offering protection of up to RM25,000 in the event of a pilgrim's death in the Holy Land.
"Tabung Haji (TH) records show that the annual subscription for death benefit assistance ranges from RM12 to RM24 for pilgrims in Selangor. Previously, we provided support through medical kits.
"I think it would be beneficial to add value to the existing aid through death benefit assistance, which will benefit the heirs if a pilgrim passes away in the Holy Land," he said.
Azri said the MBI Foundation will collaborate with Selangor TH to address the timely distribution of muassasah incentives, ensuring that the aid reaches recipients promptly.
He acknowledged that the distribution process can sometimes take longer, particularly after pilgrims return from the Holy Land, as the incentives are offered later and require an additional quota process.
"It involves an additional process for quotas and offer letters, so we will discuss with Selangor TH to resolve this issue. The initial suggestion is to transfer the funds directly into the pilgrims' accounts," Azri said.
Selangor has allocated RM6 million for the muassasah haj initiative this year, triple the amount from 2023. An additional RM1.2 million was also allocated to fully cover the expenses of 36 pilgrims.
Financial incentives for the pilgrims were also raised from RM500 to RM1,000, alongside the provision of personal care kits.
