Haj waiting period could fall from 150 years to below 70

KUALA LUMPUR: The Haj waiting period, currently estimated at about 150 years, could be reduced to less than 70 years under the Haj Preparation Plan – Seruan Istito ah, according to Dr Zulkifli Hasan, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs). The projected reduction hinges on several factors, including the number of depositors who meet the RM15,000 minimum savings requirement, Malaysia's future Haj quota, and developments in the Holy Land.

Depositors who have already registered for Haj will be granted a transition period until December 31, 2028, to reach the savings target. Beginning January 1, 2029, the Haj waiting list will be dynamically and automatically restructured based on registration dates for depositors who have met the minimum savings threshold. This was revealed by Dr Zulkifli in response to Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (Pas-Kuala Krai), who inquired about the actual waiting period for depositors who have achieved the RM15,000 savings requirement, as well as the status of those who had registered long ago but had not yet accumulated the necessary amount.

Depositors who have registered but have not yet met the RM15,000 savings requirement will be added to the active Haj waiting list once they fulfill the savings requirement.