Latest news with #TH

TH To Roll Out Digital Passport Submission For Haj

Barnama

a day ago

Barnama

TH To Roll Out Digital Passport Submission For Haj

GENERAL KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) is working to introduce a digital passport submission system for Malaysian haj pilgrims to minimise the need for them to visit TH branch offices in person, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the initiative is among TH's ongoing efforts to enhance and improve efficiency in haj management for the comfort of the pilgrims. "May the administration and management of Malaysia's haj pilgrimage continue to be among the best in the world, God willing," he said when replying to a question from Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan (BN-Kuala Pilah). Zulkifli said various measures have been implemented by TH to ensure optimal management of the pilgrimage, including the introduction of a digital haj medical record book, which helps medical personnel check pilgrims' health records online. "This also aims to prevent the loss of physical medical books. In addition, the haj mobility application was introduced to assist staff in coordinating pilgrims' movements throughout the haj season," he said. Meanwhile, Zulkifli said all eligible Malaysian pilgrims successfully obtained their haj visas, including those who encountered technical issues during biometric registration via the Saudi Visa Bio mobile application. He said the achievement was the result of close cooperation between TH, the Embassy of Saudi Arabia, and relevant technical agencies. However, TH is aware that a small number of pilgrims experienced difficulties registering biometric data through the app. "The issue stemmed from technical factors such as mobile device incompatibility, inaccurate facial or fingerprint scanning, and the need for ongoing technical system upgrades in line with current developments," he said when replying to a question from Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Abd Muttalib (PN-Maran). Zulkifli said TH has taken several proactive measures to help ease pilgrims' use of the application, including providing complete guidelines and support through its official portal at for downloading and using the Saudi Visa Bio app.

[UPDATED] Tabung Haji goes digital: 80pct of transactions now online

New Straits Times

a day ago

Business
New Straits Times

[UPDATED] Tabung Haji goes digital: 80pct of transactions now online

KUALA LUMPUR: More than 80 per cent of Tabung Haji (TH) transactions are now conducted through online and electronic platforms, reflecting a growing preference among depositors for digital services that offer greater convenience and save time. Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said TH would continue to explore ways to enhance its services for the 9.68 million depositors nationwide. "TH is also working on implementing digital submission of haj pilgrims' passports to reduce the need for pilgrims to physically visit its offices," he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today. He also dismissed rumours suggesting the closure of some TH branches. "Currently, TH operates 107 branches across the country, with none being closed. However, underutilised branches with very low transaction volumes will be replaced by a new initiative called Tabung Haji Gerak. "Tabung Haji Gerak is a mobile service counter that moves from place to place. Its schedule will be published on social media and TH's website to ensure the public can access it easily," he said. He was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Abd Muttalib (PN–Maran) regarding rumours of branch closures. Commenting on the use of the Saudi Visa Bio system for haj pilgrims, Zulkifli acknowledged that a small number of Malaysians had encountered difficulties registering their biometric data via the application. "This was due to technical factors such as incompatible mobile devices, inaccurate facial or fingerprint scans, and the need for periodic system upgrades to stay current with the latest developments." He said that Malaysia was one of the first eight countries globally — alongside Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kuwait, the United Kingdom, Tunisia and Morocco — selected by the Saudi government to pilot the Saudi Visa Bio application. "This is a recognition for Malaysia as a pioneer in this digital initiative introduced by the Saudi authorities to facilitate visa issuance." For the 1446H/2025M haj season, TH has taken several proactive steps to assist pilgrims in using the application effectively. "TH provided comprehensive guidance through its official portal, including instructions on downloading and using the Saudi Visa Bio app, complete with step-by-step registration procedures and tips to ensure a smooth process." Zulkifli added that briefing sessions were held during basic haj courses nationwide, and clear instructions were also provided in the haj offer letters issued to pilgrims. "According to TH records, all eligible Malaysian haj pilgrims have successfully obtained their visas, including those who initially faced technical issues, thanks to direct assistance from the Saudi Embassy and TH," he said.

New Straits Times

2 days ago

Business
New Straits Times

Tabung Haji goes digital: 80pct of transactions now online

KUALA LUMPUR: More than 80 per cent of Tabung Haji (TH) transactions are now conducted through online and electronic platforms, reflecting a growing preference among depositors for digital services that offer greater convenience and save time. Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said TH would continue to explore ways to enhance its services for the 9.68 million depositors nationwide. He also dismissed rumours suggesting the closure of some TH branches. "Currently, TH operates 107 branches across the country, with none being closed. However, underutilised branches with very low transaction volumes will be replaced by a new initiative called Tabung Haji Gerak. "Tabung Haji Gerak is a mobile service counter that moves from place to place. Its schedule will be published on social media and TH's website to ensure the public can access it easily," he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today. He was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Abd Muttalib (PN–Maran) regarding rumours of branch closures. Commenting on the use of the Saudi Visa Bio system for haj pilgrims, Zulkifli acknowledged that a small number of Malaysians had encountered difficulties registering their biometric data via the application. "This was due to technical factors such as incompatible mobile devices, inaccurate facial or fingerprint scans, and the need for periodic system upgrades to stay current with the latest developments." He said that Malaysia was one of the first eight countries globally — alongside Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kuwait, the United Kingdom, Tunisia and Morocco — selected by the Saudi government to pilot the Saudi Visa Bio application. "This is a recognition for Malaysia as a pioneer in this digital initiative introduced by the Saudi authorities to facilitate visa issuance." For the 1446H/2025M haj season, TH has taken several proactive steps to assist pilgrims in using the application effectively. "TH provided comprehensive guidance through its official portal, including instructions on downloading and using the Saudi Visa Bio app, complete with step-by-step registration procedures and tips to ensure a smooth process." Zulkifli added that briefing sessions were held during basic haj courses nationwide, and clear instructions were also provided in the haj offer letters issued to pilgrims. "According to TH records, all eligible Malaysian haj pilgrims have successfully obtained their visas, including those who initially faced technical issues, thanks to direct assistance from the Saudi Embassy and TH," he said.

Jannik Sinner rehires the fitness coach he fired for playing a role in his doping case

Toronto Star

2 days ago

Sport
Toronto Star

Jannik Sinner rehires the fitness coach he fired for playing a role in his doping case

Italy's Jannik Sinner celebrates with the trophy after beating Carlos Alcaraz of Spain to win the men's singles final at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Sunday, July 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) TH flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: : sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/toronto_star bHasMigratedAvatar : false :

Many pilgrims decline Haj subsidy as awareness grows

The Sun

4 days ago

Business
The Sun

Many pilgrims decline Haj subsidy as awareness grows

KUALA LUMPUR: The number of Malaysian pilgrims opting out of Haj subsidies has risen over the past two years, reflecting increased awareness of financial readiness as a key requirement for the pilgrimage. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar revealed the trend in Parliament today, noting a decline in subsidy uptake among B40 and M40 groups. 'Tabung Haji (TH) is making efforts to explain to Muslims the link between Haj and the condition of affordability. 'Beginning in 2022, the subsidies provided by TH to B40 and M40 pilgrims have been decreasing... this is an effort to educate Muslims on the obligation of Haj,' he said. A total of 396 pilgrims declined subsidies in 2023, followed by 263 in 2024. Mohd Na'im attributed this shift to a growing understanding that performing Haj should only be undertaken when financially capable. The trend has also benefited TH's financial health, with dividend payouts rising to 3.25 per cent last year. On Haj costs and quotas, Mohd Na'im confirmed no price increase for Muassasah pilgrims this year, with fees remaining at RM33,300 per person. Malaysia's official Haj quota, set at 31,600 annually by Saudi Arabia, has been fully utilised from 2020 to 2025. However, in 2022, pandemic restrictions reduced the quota to 14,306 pilgrims. - Bernama