The fee for performing the Haj pilgrimage this year remains at RM9,980 per person for first time pilgrims, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom.

He said the government and Lembaga Tabung Haji had agreed to maintain the rate as a special gift to the pilgrims even though costs, particularly for accomodation and transport, had risen as compared to last year.

"Last year the pilgrimage cost per person was RM15,150 and this year the cost will increase to RM15,555, but on the generosity of Tabung Haji (TH) through the government, we decided to cap the fee at RM9,980 (for first time pilgrims)," he told reporters after attending a Tabung Haji event here today.

On another matter, Jamil Khir said TH would be announcing bonus and dividends due to depositors for 2012 next Thursday.