Malaysian hajj pilgrims here can settle their 'dam haji' at the nine counters opened by Tabung Haji (TH) while those who are still in Malaysia can pay theirs locally.

TH (Holy Land Financial Operations) director Anisuati Yahya said the counters would remain open till the 1436H hajj season ends.

"The amount has been set at SR445 or RM431 for the 'dam kibas', and SR3,000 or RM2,990 for 'dam unta'," she told reporters here.

She said the rate for 'korban kibas' is SR475 (RM460), while that for 'korban unta' is SR3,500 (RM3,365).

The rates in ringgit were set last Ramadan 15, she said.

Anisuati said five of the counters are at Al-Haram Hotel while four, at MovenPick Hotel, where the pilgrims are staying. Malaysian pilgrims are also housed at the Al-Saha Hotel here.

Meanwhile, she said TH would open 28 counters in Makkah.

The first group of Malaysian pilgrims to Makkah will leave on Aug 24, while the last group, on Sept 7.

Anisuati said the pilgrims could also withdraw their money through LH counters using their hajj identification badge.