KUALA LUMPUR: Several members of parliament have urged Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) to grant automatic eligibility for pilgrims aged 60 and above to perform the haj under the muassasah (haj management system that it handles) package, without the need to appeal.
Jempol member of parliament Datuk Shamshulkahar Mohd Deli said priority should be given to older pilgrims, especially as Saudi Arabia tightens health requirements for haj applicants starting next year.
“Some of them may have registered late or didn’t meet the requirements earlier.
“If someone turns 60 this year but has to wait another 15 years, they will be 75 by the time their turn comes.
“With the new health restrictions, how will they be able to perform the haj then?” he said during the debate session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Dr Halimah Ali (PN–Kapar) said the current registration system requires senior citizens who are not listed for the current year’s haj to submit an appeal, and if approved, they must pay the full haj cost of RM33,300.
“If these senior citizens have to appeal, they end up paying more.
“As Jempol suggested, there should be no need for appeals, once they turn 60, they should automatically be given a slot under the muassasah package,” she said.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said TH fully understood the aspirations of senior pilgrims but must maintain the “first come, first served” policy introduced in 1995.
“TH is committed to ensuring that every eligible depositor’s right to perform the haj is respected.
“Those not listed for the current year may submit an appeal, which is reviewed annually,” he said.
The minister said TH carefully evaluates every appeal and application to determine the annual pilgrim list.
For the 1446H/2025 haj season, 12,102 pilgrims aged 60 and above were selected – representing nearly 40 per cent of all Malaysian pilgrims.
“This clearly shows that TH is open and considerate towards appeals from senior citizens.
“As for automatic eligibility for those aged 60 and above, the TH management present today has heard these suggestions,” he added.
For the 2026 haj season, Saudi Arabia has imposed new regulations requiring pilgrims to be free from infectious diseases, serious or uncontrolled chronic illnesses, and physically capable of performing the haj independently.
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