Jakarta:Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Dr. Zulkifli Hasan clarified that the savings of Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) depositors were not utilized to cover Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) contributions for 40,000 mosque personnel and takmir teachers across the nation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Zulkifli stated that a special government allocation entirely supports these contributions, which are distributed through TH as the implementing agency.

The government decided to fully fund these contributions as a recognition of the services provided by religious personnel and to ensure their welfare, social protection, and wellbeing. Dr. Zulkifli emphasized that any claims suggesting the use of pilgrims' savings for this purpose are false and speculative.

Beneficiaries of this initiative include imams, bilals, mosque caretakers, and takmir teachers serving Muslim communities throughout Malaysia.

Dr. Zulkifli reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring that TH manages its trust funds with integrity, maintaining transparency and corporate governance in line with Syariah principles. He also highlighted the government's ongoing priority to support the welfare of mosque personnel and takmir teachers, aiming to safeguard religious institutions and foster the development of the Muslim community in Malaysia.