{
  "id": 17791815,
  "title": "Zulkifli defends RM15,000 haj savings rule amid TH cash flow allegations",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/zulkifli-defends-rm15-000-haj-savings-rule-amid-th-cash-flow",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-02T12:19:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/11/1569252/zulkifli-defends-rm15000-haj-savings-rule-amid-th-cash-flow-allegations"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Minister Dr Zulkifli Hasan defended the RM15,000 savings requirement for haj registration during a debate in the Dewan Rakyat. The requirement, implemented by the Tabung Haji Syariah Advisory Committee and the National Haj Muzakarah, was based on studies, feedback from stakeholders, and the need to rationalise the haj waiting list. Zulkifli stated that the government was not solely focused on the amount, but also on factors such as safety, health, and the overall quota. Existing depositors have until December 31, 2028 to reach the minimum savings of RM15,000 to retain their position in the queue.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan has sought to defend the RM15,000 minimum savings requirement for haj registration.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}