{
  "id": 8853080,
  "title": "No exemptions for elderly, B40 from RM15,000 haj savings requirement, says Tabung Haji",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/no-exemptions-for-elderly-b40-from-rm15-000-haj-savings-requirement",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-21T05:58:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1537510/no-exemptions-elderly-b40-rm15000-haj-savings-requirement-says-tabung"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: The Tabung Haji, or pension fund, will maintain the RM15,000 minimum savings requirement for all depositors, including the elderly and those in the B40 income group, from performing the haj pilgrimage. Tabung Haji spokesman said this policy applies universally, regardless of age, income or position in the haj queue. However, there is a transition period until December 31, 2028, for existing depositors to build their savings to meet the new threshold. The RM15,000 benchmark is not a measure of wealth but rather a financial readiness standard aimed at ensuring pilgrims have the basic financial means to perform the journey. This requirement is part of the Tabung Haji's \"Seruan Istito ah\" approach, which seeks to make the haj queue orderly and ensure pilots are financially prepared when their turn comes. The committee added that the aim is not to differentiate between better-off individuals but to maintain a minimum level of financial readiness across all prospective pilgrims.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: There will be no exemptions for senior citizens, B40 group or depositors nearing their turn to perform the haj from the RM15,000 minimum savings requirement to retain their place in the haj queue.",
  "key_points": [
    "Tabung Haji maintains RM15,000 savings requirement for all, including elderly and B40.",
    "No exemptions for age, income, or haj queue position.",
    "Transition period until Dec 31, 2028 for existing depositors to meet threshold."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The universal savings requirement for haj pilgrims tightens financial readiness standards, affecting all depositors equally, with existing ones allowed time to adjust their savings.",
  "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."
}