Malaysia's haj quota for this year remains the same as last year at 22,230, according to Pilgrims Fund Board (TH) Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Ismee Ismail.
He said this was decided by the Saudi Arabian government during the Haj ministers' meeting, which he and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom attended two months ago.
"I'm sure they (Saudi Arabia) have made this decision based on their estimates on the ongoing construction of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, besides taking into account the safety and comfort of the pilgrims."
Ismee said this to reporters after handing over TH business tithe for 2015 amounting to RM2.78 million to the Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MUIP) at Istana Abdul Aziz here today.
The ceremony was graced by the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, who is also MUIP president.
The quota of 22,320 pilgrims was set in 2013 following the decision of the Saudi government to reduce the previous quota of 29,700 pilgrims by 20 per cent, due to the expansion and development works at the Grand Mosque.
Meanwhile, commenting on the payment of compensation to the families of seven Malaysian pilgrims who were killed in the crane-collapse incident at the Grand Mosque on Sept 11 last year, Ismee said the matter was still being finalised.
"They (the Saudi government) are still finalising the payment of compensation. There is no consensus yet on how the compensation money will be paid, but we believe it will be done in the near future," he said.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency had ordered the payment of SR1 million (RM1.14 million) to the families of those killed, SR1 million to those who were permanent disabled, and SR500,000 to each person who was injured.
Bernama
Mon Mar 28 2016
Malaysia's haj quota for this year remains the same as last year at 22,230. - Filepic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.