Latest news with #MalaysianMuslims
Focus Malaysia
2 days ago
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Tabung Haji denies RM20mil rebranding claim, clarifies actual cost
LEMBAGA Tabung Haji (TH) has denied allegations that it spent RM20mil on a rebranding exercise, calling the claim 'untrue and slanderous'. In a statement, TH said the actual budget allocation for the brand rejuvenation process is RM2mil per year over three years, not RM20mil. 'The speculation of RM20mil expenditure for the new rebranding process is untrue and constitutes slander,' it stressed. The pilgrimage fund explained that efforts to refresh its brand are necessary despite its 60-year history. 'The allegation that TH does not need to make efforts to strengthen its brand, which is already well known, is inaccurate,' it said, adding that brand rejuvenation has been undertaken several times in the past. TH said the exercise involves market surveys and engagement with depositors, noting that demographic changes among Malaysian Muslims have had a 'very significant impact'. Currently, TH has 9.6 million depositors, equivalent to only half of the country's Muslim population. 'More than 53% of our depositors have savings of less than RM1,300, which is far from sufficient for preparing to perform the hajj,' it said. The board of directors has also decided to review strategies to remain competitive and attract younger depositors. The TH media statement is probably related to the speech by the PAS MP for Pengkalan Chepa, Datuk Dr Ahmad Marzuk Shaary who alleged that TH is proceeding with a rebranding at the cost of RM20mil. In his speech during the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan, the MP questioned the need for such large expenditure when TH already has a strong and internationally recognised brand. He highlighted that the funds come from Muslim depositors, including villagers, FELDA settlers, fishermen, and youths saving for hajj, and argued that the money would be better used to improve services or subsidise B40 pilgrims. He raised concerns that the appointed firms (5Grams Communications, Green Zebra, Sentry PR) are not fully Muslim- or bumiputra-owned, with some even led by non-Muslims, which he said disregards the sensitivities and aspirations of TH depositors. He stressed that TH is not just a financial institution but a symbol of Muslim dignity and a trust that safeguards the dreams of Muslims to perform hajj. He demanded the government explain who approved the appointments, what procurement process was followed, and what justification exists for the expenditure. Finally, he called for assurances that depositors' funds will continue to be managed with integrity and trust. — Aug 16, 2025
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Tabung Haji denies RM20m rebranding claim, clarifies actual cost
KUALA LUMPUR: Tabung Haji (TH) has dismissed claims that it spent RM20 million on rebranding as false and defamatory. The pilgrimage fund clarified that the brand rejuvenation process cost RM2 million annually for three years. 'Efforts to strengthen the brand have been carried out several times as an important investment to change mindsets and attract Muslims to save systematically in order to meet the requirements for performing the haj,' TH stated. The rebranding included market surveys and depositor engagement to address demographic shifts among Malaysian Muslims. 'The claim that TH need not strengthen its well-known brand after 60 years of operation is also inaccurate,' the statement added. TH currently serves 9.6 million depositors, roughly half of Malaysia's Muslim population. Over 53 per cent of depositors have savings below RM1,300, far short of the RM15,000 needed for a B40 pilgrim in 2025. 'Over 80 per cent of depositors' financial transactions are done online,' TH noted. The institution plans a campaign to encourage early, consistent savings while ensuring stable investments. TH's Board of Directors will review strategies to stay competitive and attract younger depositors. The rebranding issue was raised by Pengkalan Chepa MP Datuk Dr Ahmad Marzuk Shaary in Parliament last week. Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar will address the matter during Monday's Dewan Rakyat session. - Bernama
The Star
22-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Na'im: Let the authorities decide
PETALING JAYA: Islamic authorities should be the ones to decide whether Muslims should postpone performing the haj to vote in an election, says Senator Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Islamic Affairs) has urged Malaysian Muslims to remain calm and await an official announcement from muftis regarding this issue. 'I urge everyone to be calm and give space to the muftis and other authorities to provide their views and explanations based on Syariah principles and the current context,' Mohd Na'im wrote in a Facebook post yesterday. 'Let us prioritise knowledge and propriety in discussing religious issues and refer to proper channels to preserve the purity of Islam and communal harmony.' While campaigning in the Ayer Kuning by-election over the weekend, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said Muslims should prioritise gaining political power over performing the umrah and haj. In a speech for Perikatan Nasional, Abdul Hadi claimed that umrah and haj, important rituals for physically and financially able Muslims, could be postponed. In comparison, 'victory in politics cannot be delayed', the Marang MP reportedly said at a ceramah on Sunday. Perikatan, Barisan Nasional and Parti Sosialis Malaysia are locked in a three-way contest for the state by-election, which was called after the death of its incumbent Ishsam Shahruddin in February. In his remarks on Monday, Mohd Na'im urged everyone not to issue arbitrary personal opinions on Islamic principles and laws without consulting official authorities such as the state muftis. 'Islamic law requires careful study, deep understanding and high scholastic discipline,' he said. 'It is of utmost importance that we preserve communal harmony and not cause confusion, especially when it involves important rituals in Islam and democratic processes.' Meanwhile, the Islamic Development Malaysia Department (Jakim) said it is currently reviewing Abdul Hadi's remarks. In a statement, Jakim director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said his department is working with the Federal Territory Mufti Department and relevant authorities to look into the matter. 'Jakim urges all parties to exercise caution when making statements regarding religious matters to avoid confusing the public,' Sirajuddin added.
Reuters
31-03-2025
- General
- Reuters
Malaysian cannon firing tradition lights up festivities for Eid al-Fitr
KUALA KANGSAR, Malaysia, March 31 (Reuters) - As Malaysian Muslims began celebrating Eid al-Fitr after a month of fasting, the sound of cannons echoed through the rice fields of a northern village, in a decades-long tradition heralding the start of the festivities. Residents of Kampung Talang, 250 km (155 miles) north of the capital Kuala Lumpur, began firing the cannons, known as 'meriam talang' in the Malay language, in 1937. 'For us, Eid doesn't feel complete without the sound of the cannon... Without it, the village feels empty,' said Amar Ehzan, a 37-year-old villager. Amar told Reuters the tradition started because the cannons helped scare off wild animals in the surrounding forest and ensure villagers' safety as they celebrated Eid. Once made from soil and bamboo, the cannons are now built from steel, Amar said, adding that the villagers use up to 2 metric tons of cobalt to fire more than 80 cannons every year. "All the younger generation in the village agree and work together to uphold this cannon tradition," Amar said. "It's a rare event so the excitement to fire the cannon is there."
