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KOTA BARU – The government will pay up to 60% of the losses incurred by pilgrims affected by the month-long temporary postponement of the umrah travel imposed since January 8, said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Ahmad Marzuk Shaary.
He said the Pilgrims Fund Board (PFB) and the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry had checked the list of those affected by the postponement of the umrah travel.
“We know of umrah pilgrims who were stranded (following the postponement of the umrah travel) recently and they suffered some losses in expenses such as for accommodation and other bookings. Therefore, the government will bear part of their losses.
“However, it is still in the final stage of processing and expected to be completed by the middle of this month,” he said.
He was met by reporters after attending a programme with fishermen in the Kijang state constituency at the Malaysian Fisheries Development Board Complex here today.
Marzuk, who is Pengkalan Chepa MP, said the payment would be disbursed by PFB directly to the pilgrims concerned.
He said the affected pilgrims will be required to go to the nearest PFB branch office, together with their relevant documents, such as identity card, visa, and details of their umrah package.
“If they have a PFB account, it will be easier as the payment will be credited directly to the account. PFB will distribute the allocation provided by the government through the Finance Ministry,” he added.
For those leaving for the umrah pilgrimage this Tuesday (February 8), he advises them to comply with the stipulated standard operating procedures, including wearing of face masks. – Bernama, February 6, 2022