logo
Jaw-dropping RM250,000 Haj package goes viral: Lobsters, luxury hotel and disapproving netizens

Jaw-dropping RM250,000 Haj package goes viral: Lobsters, luxury hotel and disapproving netizens

Focus Malaysia3 days ago

CAN A spiritual journey be considered spiritual when there is so much materialism involved?
Recently a luxury Haj package came to light, featuring lobsters, lavish buffet spread and all the comforts that money could buy.
Another video in the comment section showed the second part, where the man is welcomed into a luxury hotel with a breathtaking view of the grand mosque.
According to netizen @kamaghul who posted the video, the package came at a whopping price of RM250,000. Is this the right thing to do for one to come closer to God? Maybe not, according to some netizens.
Katanya ini penginapan di Arafah pakej Almaas Tabung Haji Travel 2025. Tengok makanan dia pun dah boleh agak berapa harga pakej dia.
Baca komen dekat tiktok, katanya pakej ni harga RM250 ribu 🥹 pic.twitter.com/YJSNMOKbTb
— kamaghul deghaman (@kamaghul) June 7, 2025
'Doesn't this defeat the purpose of Haj?' said netizen @arman_armani001.
Another netizen added that people nowadays no longer want to feel the challenges of performing Haj. He hoped these people's prayers would not be accepted.
@hisyamlois pointed out that it was not right to say such words as acceptance is known only by God. It is not certain that those who suffered under the heat will be accepted.
'Who knows he has no difficulty? Do you think he collects the money in a day or two? You don't know what he went through his entire life to enjoy life now,' pointed out @rabbaniahmad_.
Netizen @M3017z added that now there was a caste system for those performing prayers.
Towards this comment, @kapastulin said there was. 'There is a special parking for VIPs during Friday prayers,' he said.
'Of course, this is business,' added @Shahrollz96.
One netizen further pointed out that at RM250,000, he could have bought a house while another claimed it could sponsor at least five other people to go for Haj.
Perhaps the best comment to close this topic came from @knocktense who asked why her father did not go for such a package even though he could afford it. 'He said that as long as he was healthy enough, he would follow the prophet's way' she said. —June 8, 2025
Main image: @kamaghul (X)

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

'The world sees the crowds. It misses the story'
'The world sees the crowds. It misses the story'

New Straits Times

time7 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

'The world sees the crowds. It misses the story'

EACH year, millions of Muslims from across the globe descend on Makkah for the haj pilgrimage. The visuals are familiar by now — vast crowds circling the Kaabah, white garments rippling through the desert heat, drone footage of a sea of humanity moving in harmony. But what's often missing from international coverage of this annual event is what lies beneath those images: the staggering human effort that makes it all work. Haj is one of the largest annual gatherings in the world and also one of the most logistically complex. Pilgrims from over 180 countries converge in a narrow window of time, many of them elderly and from fragile or conflict-torn regions. They come for a deeply spiritual purpose, but they arrive into a system that must accommodate millions safely, respectfully, and with dignity. Saudi Arabia has long taken on this responsibility, treating the management of the haj not as a seasonal obligation but as a sacred trust. Yet, despite the scale and precision of this effort, global media often treats it as a backdrop, rarely pausing to examine what it takes to actually make the pilgrimage possible. More than logistics Managing the haj is not just about crowd control or transport logistics, though both are crucial. It's about thousands of volunteers helping people find their way, doctors treating heat exhaustion in makeshift clinics, and public workers keeping the holiest sites clean in the middle of the night before the next wave of worshippers arrives. These are not minor details. They are the difference between hardship and hospitality. For many pilgrims, this is the most important journey of their lives. They arrive after years of saving, praying, and waiting—often with great personal sacrifice. Their experience is often one of safety and care and is not incidental. It results from deliberate, large-scale planning that often goes unnoticed outside the Islamic world. The human side of a global gathering There's an emotional dimension to the Hajj that rarely makes headlines. Pilgrims travel from war zones, refugee camps, and remote villages. They come in wheelchairs, with elderly parents, carrying the memory of loved ones who didn't live to make the journey. In a world that feels increasingly divided, the haj stands out as one of the few moments where humanity gathers not in opposition but in unity. That reality is easy to miss if reporting sticks to numbers, crowd scenes, or political analysis. What's lost is the story of people—their resilience, faith, and the unseen hands serving them. A different kind of story Saudi Arabia's role in facilitating the haj is not without complexity. No operation of this size is perfect, and there is always room for dialogue and improvement. But what's striking is how rarely international coverage acknowledges the depth of effort involved — or the spirit behind it. Too often, coverage focuses on the spectacle without looking at the system. It documents the rituals but not the relationships. It sees the scale but not the service. This isn't a call for praise or publicity. It's a call for perspective. For a recognition that haj isn't just a logistical feat—it's a human one. And in a time when division and cynicism dominate much of global discourse, the idea that millions can gather peacefully, purposefully, and be cared for with humility and generosity is a story worth telling. If we see only the crowd, we miss the humanity. Behind every pilgrim is a story — a journey of faith, of sacrifice, of hope fulfilled. And behind each of those journeys stands a vast, often invisible effort of care, coordination, and quiet service. To overlook that is to overlook not just the scale of what happens during haj, but the spirit that makes it possible. In a divided world, this annual gathering remains one of the few moments where humanity moves together — not in protest, not in fear, but in peace. That alone deserves a closer look.

Tighter controls, solid coordination keys to success of this Haj season
Tighter controls, solid coordination keys to success of this Haj season

New Straits Times

time17 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

Tighter controls, solid coordination keys to success of this Haj season

MAKKAH: A photograph of members of the Saudi Arabian security forces lying on the road after completing their duties at the end of the Haj season has captured the hearts of many. The image, posted on Pakistan Tribune's Facebook page, bore the caption 'Heroes of Hajj: Saudi Security Staff Resting on the Ground After Completing Hajj Duty'. They have truly earned the 'hero' tag. These individuals were at the frontline to ensure that this year's Haj season proceeded smoothly and safely. Those who have been to the Holy Land are already familiar with their role. Although uncompromising when carrying out their duty, their warmth when dealing with pilgrims both during the Haj and Umrah seasons is no secret. The Haj season for 1446 Hijrah officially ended last night when the last group of pilgrims vacated their tents in Mina and headed for Makkah. Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, who is Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region and Vice Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah, announced the success of this year's Haj season in terms of security, health, and services. For the majority of the more than 1.67 million pilgrims, the 1446 Hijrah Haj season is undoubtedly a success. In terms of security, strictness was evident, especially in tackling the issue of illegal Haj pilgrims. The authorities, through the 'No Haj Without a Permit' campaign, managed to stem the entry of such groups. 269,000 WITHOUT HAJ PERMITS BARRED FROM MAKKAH Based on records, more than 269,000 unregistered individuals were barred from entering Makkah this Haj season while 400 companies had their haj services licences revoked for breaking the rules. 'No Haj Without a Permit' is more than a campaign but a stern commitment from Saudi Arabia to ensure a safe and organised Haj journey. For example, the last Haj season saw more than 1,300 heat stroke-related deaths when temperatures soared between 46 and 51 degrees Celsius. The majority of these involved illegal Haj pilgrims who entered Makkah to perform the Haj 'in secret' without going through the proper channels to ensure safety and organisation. This was among the major reasons for the Saudi government's strict enforcement, which is to reduce any risks of fatalities and more importantly, to prevent history from repeating itself. A more organised and safe Haj process is key towards effective management of the Haj, including in the aspect of managing the pilgrims' health, which is bolstered by the presence of more than 5,000 volunteers. These volunteers support the health services in three main areas namely prevention, treatment and support services. The biggest success is unquestionably in terms of managing the risk of heat stroke, especially in reducing the number of fatalities among the pilgrims from extreme heat. INTER-AGENCY COORDINATION In the context of services, praise has to be accorded to inter-agency and ministry coordination which was key to the smoothness and comfort of the Haj experience. For example, Saudi Arabia activated the world's largest cooling system in Masjidil Haram in Makkah, and in Masjid Nabawi in Madinah, for the comfort of the pilgrims and to prevent heat-related risks, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. More than 400 cooling stations in major locations, and 'white roads' as heat reflectors were introduced to ensure cooler surface temperatures. Walkways are also covered, with cooling facilities provided for the ease and comfort of the pilgrims. As the season reached its peak, Saudi Arabia also engaged artificial intelligence (AI) powered drones for various purposes including crowd surveillance to prevent crushes, spot potential heat-related emergencies and the delivery of critical medicine directly to locations. Pilgrims' movement was also smooth and orderly, thanks to the systematic transportation network strengthened by more than 25,000 buses and the Mashair Metro rail. In short, Saudi Arabia's success in the management of the 1446 Hijrah Haj is a manifestation of solid cooperation and coordination by all, transcending agencies and ministries. Nevertheless, there is room for improvement, taking into account constant changes. What is clear is that this Haj season, the Saudi government's focus was on security, which is the foundation of an organised and safe journey. Prince Saud had said that preparations for the next Hajj season will begin immediately. It is evident that an analysis of what transpired during this Haj season will also be taken into account. 1.67 MILLION PILGRIMS THE IDEAL NUMBER? One must also consider - was the success of this Haj season due to 1.67 million pilgrims being the ideal number? Based on records, this was the lowest number of pilgrims since 1991 (1412 Hijrah) with the exception of the three years the world experienced the Covid-19 pandemic (1441 to 1443 Hijrah). However, it must also be considered that the 1.67 million pilgrims this season is a 'solid' number, meaning without the presence of illegal Haj pilgrims unlike years past. Nevertheless, the responsibility of ensuring the smoothness of the Haj should not be shouldered by Saudi Arabia alone. Questions have to be asked over how much commitment is taken on by other countries, including Malaysia. This includes ensuring that issues such as Haj scams and fraudulent Haj packages, which expose potential pilgrims to difficulties, are successfully stamped out. It pains the heart to constantly hear of how easily some quarters abuse religion to rake in profits. Such issues, which besmirch the name of Islam, need to be addressed effectively.

Is Malaysia The New Taiwan? The Expat Debate Dividing Social Media
Is Malaysia The New Taiwan? The Expat Debate Dividing Social Media

Rakyat Post

time20 hours ago

  • Rakyat Post

Is Malaysia The New Taiwan? The Expat Debate Dividing Social Media

Subscribe to our FREE A recent Threads post has got everyone talking and dividing opinions online. While most people dream of moving to traditional powerhouse destinations like the US or Australia, there appears to be a quiet exodus of Taiwanese people heading somewhere completely unexpected: Malaysia. The post boldly claims that Malaysia is 'just right' for Taiwanese expatriates. Not too fancy, not too basic – just perfectly adequate. But the three reasons behind this migration trend? They're not what you'd expect. Reason #1: Your Money Goes Further (Like, Way Further) Here's where it gets interesting. The post breaks down the brutal math of Taiwanese living costs: dropping NT$40,000-50,000 monthly (roughly RM6,000) is considered normal. But flip that script in Malaysia, and suddenly NT$20,000-30,000 (about RM4,000) covers your entire lifestyle. The kicker? That cramped Taipei studio apartment money can get you a full-floor condo in Kuala Lumpur – complete with swimming pool, elevator, gym, and often a parking spot thrown in for good measure. It's like financial arbitrage, but for your entire life. Reason #2: Lost in Translation? Not Here Forget language barriers. Whether you're haggling at the wet market, getting a health check-up, or dealing with banking bureaucracy, chances are someone speaks either Chinese or English. For Taiwanese expats, it's like having a linguistic safety net wherever you go. An elderly Malaysian Chinese man reads a Chinese-language newspaper in an Ipoh kopitiam. In Malaysia, many people speak Mandarin, especially in areas with significant Chinese communities, making it easier for Taiwanese visitors to communicate. (Pix: Fernando Fong) Reason #3: The Art of Slowing Down Malaysia offers something money can't buy in Taiwan's hustle culture: space and time. Slower city rhythms, humid but comfortable weather, and room to actually breathe. It's particularly appealing for remote workers or those eyeing semi-retirement – imagine sipping tea on your balcony, watching the sunset without the constant urban pressure. The rolling green hills of Janda Baik in Pahang, where many well-heeled residents have chosen to live while commuting to Kuala Lumpur for work. In the background, part of the Genting Highlands development can be seen nestled among the forested peaks. (Pix: Fernando Fong) Calling BS on the Dream The comments section tells a different story, and it's messy: real talk from actual residents paints a more complex picture. One Malaysian user dropped a reality bomb with a 10-point breakdown of what newcomers should actually expect: Government services primarily in Malay Significant cultural adjustments across three major ethnic groups Longer commute distances, limited public transportation outside of KL, And, yes, genuine safety concerns about phone snatching and bag theft Every place has good and bad. The most important thing is knowing clearly what you and your future want. Malaysia's multi-racial setting might not be as straightforward for Taiwanese to adapt to, as seen in this diverse crowd gathered at McDonald's in Bukit Bintang – a snapshot of the complex cultural landscape that differs significantly from Taiwan's more homogeneous society. (Pix: Fernando Fong) When Locals Set the Record Straight One Malaysian resident with a Taiwanese spouse bluntly advised, 'Don't come if you're from Taipei – you'll regret it.' Another pointed out the irony: 'I've seen tons of Malaysians (Chinese) going to Taiwan for university and work, but never heard of the reverse.' The exchange rate argument also got challenged. One user noted that when they visit Taiwan with Malaysian ringgit, everything seems super cheap, questioning how the currency conversion actually benefits Taiwanese expats. The Reality Behind the Hype What started as a simple lifestyle comparison has evolved into a fascinating cultural mirror. Some see Malaysia as an affordable escape from Taiwan's high-pressure environment. Others view it as an unrealistic romanticising of expat life. The truth? It's probably somewhere in between. Based on Warga China menetap di Malaysia naik mendadak sejak 2022 hingga 2024. Sekitar 200,000 ribu warga China "dikesan menetap" di Malaysia. — encik mimpi (@encikmimpizz) Not Singapore, Not Perfect – And That's the Point Malaysia isn't marketing itself as the next Singapore, and maybe that's exactly why some people find it appealing. Sometimes 'just right' beats 'perfect' – especially when perfect comes with a price tag most people can't afford. Whether this represents a genuine trend or just social media chatter remains to be seen. But one thing's certain: the conversation has people on both sides of the South China Sea thinking about what 'home' really means – and what they're willing to trade to find it. This is Malaysia: – 0% tax on foreign income until 2036 – Nearly half the cost of living of Singapore – Tiered nomad visa: Silver, Gold, Platinum (5, 15, 20 years) Many consider it one of THE global hidden gems. Here are 7 reasons why Malaysia is SE Asia's best-kept secret: — Alessandro Palombo (@thealepalombo) Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store