Hajj management updates: Malaysia licenses 33 agencies and Indonesia proposes installment payments

Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) has announced the appointment of 33 licensed Hajj Management Companies (PJH) for the year 2027. This proactive measure aims to ensure the safety, welfare, and comfort of Malaysian pilgrims while helping them avoid fraudulent Hajj package scams. Minister Datuk Dr. Zulkifli Hasan emphasized that these licenses represent a significant responsibility to protect pilgrims in the Holy Land. Under the Tabung Haji Act 1995, any company offering Hajj packages must possess a valid PJH license.

In Indonesia, the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) is proposing an installment scheme for Hajj cost settlements. The goal is to allow prospective pilgrims to prepare funds gradually, preventing the need to sell assets or incur debt to meet sudden, large payment requirements. BPKH official Harry Alexander noted that this financial planning model, similar to those used in Malaysia and Brunei, would ease the burden on pilgrims with irregular incomes. The scheme is currently awaiting regulatory policy from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, with several Sharia banks expressing readiness to support the service.