By Norrasyidah Arshad
SHAH ALAM, April 6 — For the first time, the state government will be sponsoring the cost of performing haj this year for 36 individuals.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said under the initiative, each selected individual will receive a sponsorship of between RM18,000 and RM30,000.
“This year, for the inaugural time, we are introducing this assistance. At the same time, we will maintain the RM500 to RM1,000 aid for each muassasah pilgrims.
“The only difference is that this year, we will pick for pilgrims from each district to be sponsored.
“I don’t think there are any other states that offer a similar assistance like this. This is what we can do to help the people to the best of our ability,” he said, adding that only those qualified will be selected.
Amirudin said this in his speech during a ceremony to distribute Hari Raya Aidilfitri contributions, courtesy of Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated), to 500 residents of Hulu Kelang here, today.
The state government has allocated RM3 million this year for the Muassasah Haj Pilgrims Incentive programme, double the amount provided for last year.
Other than cash aid, pilgrims will also receive a travel kit comprising, among other things, medications, germ-killing liquids, lotion and lip balm.
