Kuala lumpur: A total of 226 graduates of the Executive Programme for Haj Guide Facilitators (EPIH) 2026 were honoured at a graduation ceremony held at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) here today. The programme, jointly organised by Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) and Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), aims to produce professional, highly skilled, and integrity-driven haj and umrah guides to ensure the welfare of pilgrims throughout their pilgrimage.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, TH Group managing director and chief executive officer Mustakim Mohamad highlighted the importance of this strategic collaboration in strengthening the country's haj guidance ecosystem. He stated, "The EPIH programme is part of TH's initiative to empower the mutawwif profession at the national level, covering not only haj guides but also umrah mutawwifs." Mustakim further mentioned that TH is assessing the need to enhance accreditation standards, expand advanced training, and strengthen competency-based learning modules to ensure more comprehensive and higher-quality haj and umrah guidance.
USIM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Sharifudin Md Shaarani emphasized USIM's commitment to developing balanced human capital from both an academic and values-based perspective through the EPIH. He noted that the programme produces guides who understand aspects of worship and can guide pilgrims with wisdom, empathy, and professionalism.
The programme, which runs from January to March, is a continuation of the Hajj Management Certificate Programme introduced in 2010, featuring enhanced content and improved learning approaches. The best graduate, Nur Hidayah Noordin, 37, shared that her participation in the programme deepened her understanding and increased her confidence in guiding pilgrims, building on her previous experience in performing umrah. She remarked, "This programme not only provides theoretical exposure but also fosters a deep understanding of the responsibilities of a haj guide in ensuring pilgrims perform their worship calmly and confidently."