Malaysia denies misuse of Tabung Haji deposits for religious officers

Malaysia's Minister in the Prime Minister's Office (Religious Affairs), Zulkifli Hasan, has dismissed claims that Tabung Haji depositor savings were misappropriated to cover social security contributions for religious personnel.

The minister's statement came in response to allegations suggesting that funds held by the Islamic pilgrimage fund were diverted to pay PERKESO contributions for approximately 40,000 religious officers across the country.

Zulkifli Hasan categorically denied the accusations, emphasising that depositor funds managed by Tabung Haji had not been used for such purposes. The clarification represents an effort to address public concerns regarding the management and utilisation of savings held by the fund on behalf of prospective hajj pilgrims.

Tabung Haji, formally known as the Pilgrimage Fund Board, manages savings accounts for Malaysian Muslims preparing for their hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. The fund has been subject to increased scrutiny in recent years regarding its financial management and operations.