KUALA LUMPUR: Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) should scrap its RM15,000 minimum savings requirement for prospective haj pilgrims, said Kubang Kerian MP Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.
He said the requirement would burden those planning to perform the haj with their spouses.
"Generally, Muslims in Malaysia go for the haj in pairs. If there are two people, that means RM30,000 must be kept in an account that cannot be touched until they perform the haj," he said when debating the 2027 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat.
Tuan Ibrahim said RM30,000 was a substantial sum for rural residents and questioned why they had to set aside the money before knowing when their turn would come.
"If they have been listed to perform the haj, they already know the conditions and will prepare the money if they are going next year. But to put RM30,000 into an account until they perform the haj, what mechanism is being used?
"Is this savings or investment? Because TH uses these savings for investment. If it is an investment, the profits must be returned to depositors."
On Jan 29, TH set a minimum savings requirement of RM15,000 for pilgrims to accept their haj offers to ensure they could afford the pilgrimage.
Tuan Ibrahim urged the government to find an alternative mechanism that would not burden prospective pilgrims.
"TH should find ways to make it easier for pilgrims to perform the haj, not add to their burden until they cannot go," he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd