Over 80% Of Registered Hajj Depositors Fall Short Of RM15,000 Minimum Savings Target

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More than 80% of approximately 4.1 million depositors registered for the Hajj pilgrimage currently hold less than RM15,000 in their accounts

RM15,000 is the baseline threshold required to maintain their queue status following an upcoming transition period.

According to a Berita Harian report, Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) revealed that while most of these depositors have secured an official registration spot, most remain financially unprepared for the actual costs when their turn arrives.

Furthermore, 53% of TH's 9.8 million account holders maintain balances below RM1,300, highlighting a stark disparity between owning an account and being genuinely financially ready for the pilgrimage.

"This figure points to an important reality: many already have a Hajj turn, but their savings have not reached the level required to make proper financial preparations when the offer arrives," TH told Berita Harian.

The RM15,000 mark is not intended as a measure of wealth

Instead, TH emphasised that it serves as a basic benchmark for financial preparedness based on the current minimum cost of Hajj for the B40 income group.

To allow registered depositors time to adjust, TH has provided a transition window of over two years ending on 31 December 2028. During this grace period, account holders can gradually increase their savings to preserve their original queue priority based on their initial registration date and time.

Starting 1 January 2029, depositors who fail to reach the RM15,000 threshold will face a queue reorganisation

From that point forward, eligibility and queue positions will no longer depend solely on the initial registration date.

The traditional 'first come, first served' principle will continue for depositors who meet the RM15,000 requirement. Those who reach the RM15,000 savings target on or after 2029 will regain financial eligibility, though they will not automatically recover their original queue spot.

TH confirmed that no exemptions will be granted based on age, income brackets, or waiting duration, including senior citizens, B40 households, or long-term registered depositors.

"TH is not seeking to deny anyone an opportunity, but rather to establish a fairer, more orderly queue system that reflects the true readiness of prospective pilgrims," the agency stated.