Malaysian haj pilgrims are not facing any financial difficulties despite being allowed to withdraw only up to 500 Saudi
Riyal (RM417.89) per day from their saving accounts over the past few days.
“I have no qualm about it although I was a bit worried at first. But please inform us of the changes early to enable us to manage our expenditure better,” said pilgrim Othman Talib.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Jamil Khir Baharom said in Kuala Lumpur yesterday that the withdrawal limit was to comply with Saudi Arabia’s ruling to avoid money laundering.
Another pilgrim, Fatiah Abdul Manan said Malaysian pilgrims need not spend a lot as everything was provided for while payments for dam (haj penalties) and Aidiladha’s slaughter sacrifices could be deducted from saving accounts.
“I have no problem with the withdrawal limit. Except for in Medina a few days ago, the Tabung Haji’s counter was a bit crowded as they were not many staff working.
“But I do not need too much money as I had brought all my needs from Terengganu,” she said.
The Tabung Haji’s counter here was no longer crowded since last night after the withdrawal was increased to 1,000 Saudi Riyal (RM835.79) per day on Monday.
– Bernama