Kuala lumpur: A total of 30 per cent of eligible haj pilgrims this year have opted for packages offered by pilgrimage operators (PJH), up from 28.3 per cent last season. TH operations director for pilgrimage operators Anwar Ahmad shared these figures, highlighting a notable preference among pilgrims for these specialized package deals.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, 34 PJH firms, including TH Travel and Services, are licensed this season to handle Malaysian pilgrims. Anwar Ahmad noted the increase reflects growing demand for private firms' premium packages that offer enhanced amenities such as hotels in proximity to Masjidil Haram or Masjid Nabawi, smaller room occupancy, and business-class flights. He provided these insights during a media conference.

The PJH packages for this season range from about RM55,000 to over RM250,000, depending on the services and amenities chosen by the pilgrims. Anwar emphasized that TH has deployed monitoring teams in Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, and Masyair to ensure PJH firms adhere to licence conditions and fulfill promises made to pilgrims.

Anwar also urged the public to engage only with TH-licensed PJH companies and to verify through the official website, TH Contact Centre, or TH offices to avoid falling victim to scams. Regarding the inclusion of celebrities by PJH firms, Anwar clarified that they are allowed only as companions or motivational icons, not as religious guides.

He stressed the importance of ensuring that explanations of the haj pillars, obligations, ihram restrictions, and worship practices are provided exclusively by qualified, TH-recognized individuals. Anwar reiterated, "If a company wants to bring celebrities along, that's their call... but when it comes to explaining about or guiding pilgrims on haj rituals, only those certified by Tabung Haji are allowed."

Anwar confirmed that every PJH company is required to provide at least one TH-certified religious guide to guarantee pilgrims receive accurate advice during their stay in the Holy Land.