PM wants Tabung Haji to focus on welfare of pilgrims, depositors

This was among Najib's message when opening TH's direction retreat, here, today which was attended by captains of industry, government-linked companies (GLCs) and stakeholders.

TH chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim said, during the session, Najib stressed the importance of looking after the interest of depositors, and comfort of accommodation and health of pilgrims performing the Haj.

According to him, the prime minister also wanted the captains of industry and GLCs present to give their views on the types of investments that TH could venture into domestically so as to strengthen its financial position.

"The prime minister wants these matters to be given attention for the continuity of the body which manages the funds of Muslims in this country in facing future challenges," said Abdul Aziz when met by reporters after the opening session.

The closed-door opening session with the prime minister, who is also Finance Minister, went on for half an hour at the one-day retreat.

Also present were Ministers in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom and Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan, Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah.

Abdul Azeez said the resolutions from the retreat would be compiled into a book as a guideline for TH's future plans.

He said TH would also hold retreat sessions at the grassroots level after this so as to listen directly to their views or understanding of TH.

On TH, Abdul Azeez said it needed between RM260 million and RM300 million this year to bear the subsidy for Haj pilgrims.

"Currently, the subsidy borne by the government for each pilgrim is RM9,570 from the overall cost of RM19,550," he said.