KUCHING: In addition to overseeing the affairs of Malaysian Hajj pilgrims, Tabung Haji (TH) plays a crucial role as an economic foundation for the Muslim community in Malaysia.
Tabung Haji Sarawak director Amat Kassim Pait said it significantly contributes to the nation’s economic transformation by offering financial instruments and investments adhering to Islamic principles, thereby fortifying the economic position of the Muslim population.
“TH serves to safeguard the economic wellbeing of the Muslim community, shielding it from adverse effects of current economic dynamics,” he said during a courtesy call on New Sarawak Tribune and Suara Sarawak chief executive officer Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir on Wednesday (Oct 11).
However, he said in Sarawak, only around 40 per cent of the Muslim population has opened TH accounts compared to nearly 50 per cent at the national level.
“Addressing this disparity is of paramount importance in Sarawak, several factors may contribute to this. One key factor is the geographical challenges faced in Sarawak, with remote regions like Belaga, Kapit, and Lundu where accessing TH services can be difficult,” he explained.
In Sarawak, TH accounts are accessible to nearly 487,000 individuals. Despite the lower membership numbers, there is a substantial sum of funds, totalling RM1.7bil as of mid-2022.
To enhance the percentage of TH accounts in Sarawak, aligning it with the national rate of 50 per cent, TH Sarawak is undertaking various initiatives.
“Primarily, they are concentrating on the younger generation, stressing the importance of early Hajj planning.
“Various programmes are being introduced in schools, even at the kindergarten level, aimed at instilling a love for Hajj in children.”
According to him, they are actively promoting TH services across all eight branches in Sarawak and collaborating with the state government, particularly the Sarawak Islamic Council, to disseminate information in remote areas
Also present were the chief marketing officer of Tabung Haji Sarawak, Madehi Mahdan; and the chief operating officer of Tribune Press Sdn Bhd and SV News Sdn Bhd, Mohamad Sardon Zainal.
