Special haj quota for VIPs? No such thing, says deputy minister

KUALA LUMPUR – Putrajaya has outrightly denied that there was a special “VIP quota” for haj pilgrims this year, explaining that the selection process is based on registration, waiting, and then taking one’s turn and any vacancy made available.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Ahmad Marzuk Shaary stressed that there should never have been any accusations or allegations that VIPs benefitted from favouritism when a person has had their appeal rejected.

Speaking to The Vibes’ Bahasa Malaysia sister portal Getaran, Marzuk explained that there are nearly 50,000 Muslims making an appeal but there are limited vacancies.

“There were a few vacancies because a few pilgrims had rejected their haj offer due to health factors, other reasons or they had passed away.

“Due to these last-minute vacancies, pilgrims who had lodged an appeal were given the opportunity,” he said, responding to the question posed by certain parties who were upset that their appeals were rejected.

In fact, some of them alleged that those lucky enough to be given the offer at the final hour were included under a special quota that was exclusive to VIPs.

Marzuk said it was impossible for Tabung Haji to be able to fulfil the request of everyone who made an appeal, inevitably upsetting a number of them.

He explained that the fund has its own mechanisms to manage the appeals and insisted that the system is free from external interference.

Furthermore, he added that individuals who were supposed to perform their worship in Mecca this year but had to postpone for whatever reason will be given priority next year.

Speaking about the new regulation that pilgrims are not allowed to bring home mineral water from the zam-zam well, which is religiously revered by Muslims worldwide, Marzuk explained that this was determined by the airlines.

“Any airlines, including Saudi Airlines, have prohibited pilgrims from carrying the zam-zam water on an aircraft… so, this also makes it easier for the pilgrims because they don’t have to lug around a 10kg bottle full of water.

“Tabung Haji will organise a delivery of the zam-zam water to any pilgrims who travelled with them once they have reached Malaysia. This makes life easier and is in line with the new airline standard operating procedures,” he said. – The Vibes, July 4, 2022