{
  "id": 1389377,
  "title": "Expert: TH must enhance communication, expand outreach to rebuild depositors' trust",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/expert-th-must-enhance-communication-expand-outreach-to-rebuild",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-17T01:18:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/08/1512739/expert-th-must-enhance-communication-expand-outreach-rebuild-depositors"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) has been urged to improve communication and expand outreach programs to explain its governance reforms and financial position to depositors, in order to regain trust. Dr. Mohd Kamarul Amree Mohd Sarkam, a Senior Lecturer at the Academy of Islamic Defence Studies, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), emphasized the importance of consistent communication through digital media to demonstrate TH's commitment to addressing its weaknesses and implementing reforms. He noted that most of TH's depositors are millennials and Gen Z, who are active on social media and thus, digital communication is crucial for rebuilding public confidence. Dr. Amree also recommended building a stronger narrative around Malaysia's hajj management, which has received recognition from the Saudi Arabian government, to maintain public trust. He proposed a comprehensive overhaul of TH's governance, including appointing non-partisan individuals with relevant management and business expertise, and ending political appointments to top management positions. Additionally, the implementation of amendments to the TH Act, as recommended in the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) Report, and placing TH's financial funds management under the Minister of Finance are suggested to ensure better governance. Dr. Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist, stressed the need for TH to assure the public that the RCI recommendations have been implemented to strengthen its financial position. TH should hold outreach programs to explain reforms and boost depositor confidence, while clarifying that the RCI report was completed in 2022, not this year, to prevent confusion and misinformation.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) has been urged to strengthen open communication and expand outreach programmes to explain its governance reform measures and financial position to depositors, thereby restoring confidence in the institution.",
  "key_points": [
    "TH urged to improve communication and outreach to rebuild depositor trust",
    "Digital media crucial for reaching millennials and Gen Z depositors",
    "Governance reforms, financial transparency, and RCI recommendations needed"
  ],
  "editors_take": "TH's efforts to regain depositors' trust hinge on overhauling its communication strategy and outreach, particularly through digital media, to demonstrate its commitment to reforms and improved governance.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "General : TH Must Enhance Communication, Expand Outreach To Rebuild Depositors' Trust - Expert",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/general-th-must-enhance-communication-expand-outreach-to-rebuild",
        "published": "2026-08-16T23:29:50.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}