The Tabung Haji (TH) Board recently announced that the cost of the hajj for the 1446H/2025 season will remain at RM33,300 per person, but with a targeted subsidy of RM261 million, the financial burden of prospective pilgrims can be eased.
For the B40 group, a subsidy of 55% (RM18,300) makes their payment only RM15,000.
M40s, on the other hand, enjoy a 29% subsidy, reducing the cost to RM23,500.
However, T20s will have to bear the full cost of RM33,300 without any subsidy.
According to Syed Hamadah Syed Othman, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of TH, this approach aims to ensure the opportunity to perform the hajj for all, while maintaining TH's finances.
In the face of rising costs due to development in Mecca and Medina as well as fuel prices, TH has taken strategic steps such as long-term contracts for accommodation and flights.
However, one question that arises is whether this move is a fair action, considering that T20, who are also TH depositors, have to pay the full cost of the hajj?
Regardless, this subsidy is an effort to make the hajj pilgrimage more affordable without sacrificing financial sustainability.
