Makkah: In a move to improve meal services for Malaysian pilgrims, Tabung Haji (TH) has introduced three-compartment serving containers to enhance food quality and better suit local tastes. TH Group managing director and chief executive officer Mustakim Mohamad said the initiative was introduced following feedback from pilgrims over the past few years that food served in the Holy Land had been somewhat dry due to the previous use of aluminium containers.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mustakim Mohamad highlighted that the latest innovation is a special food serving pack with three main compartments designated for rice, protein, and vegetables. This design prevents the gravy from drying out during the heating process and ensures it does not mix with the rice, even when shaken. The initiative aims to tackle issues experienced with the older aluminium containers. Nearly 1.8 million units of these special food containers were brought in from Malaysia using about 20 shipping containers, supplied by a local Bumiputera company for the 1447H/2026 haj operation.
Mustakim mentioned that TH prepared 52 menus for this year's haj season, including 10 new offerings such as nasi Arab and nasi biryani, to provide a broader variety and incorporate local Saudi Arabian flavors. The menu arrangement is strategically divided into two rounds before wukuf and two rounds after wukuf, with the same menu rotated only after a two-week interval to prevent monotony among pilgrims. Despite challenges in sourcing raw materials from Malaysia, TH strives to maintain Malaysian culinary flavors.
To ensure consistent food taste standards, TH brought 19 experienced chefs from Malaysia and positioned them in seven main kitchens in Makkah and Madinah. Food safety remains a priority, with the Saudi Arabian authorities placing strong emphasis on temperature control and monitoring of raw materials and kitchen areas. Based on a survey in Madinah, the pilgrims' satisfaction index with the food provided by TH has reached 94 percent.
On the financial front, Mustakim addressed the cost of this year's haj, which remains at RM33,300 for the third consecutive year, despite rising operating costs, including flights and raw materials, amid the current geopolitical conflict. TH is striving to absorb these increased costs while continuing to improve services for pilgrims.