MAKKAH, Malaysian haj pilgrims have started sending home goods purchased in the Holy Land, with an average daily volume ranging between two and three tonnes.
Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) External Services manager Zahari Zainal said the items, such as dates, nuts, prayer mats and clothes, were being sent back via two courier companies stationed at each accommodation hotel.
He said TH had appointed two companies – Pos Malaysia Berhad and FGV Transport Services – to manage the courier service this year.
‘We have stationed one of these companies at each of the 12 pilgrim accommodations to facilitate the sending of goods back home. If there is any damage to the goods, we have insurance coverage.
‘That is why we encourage all pilgrims to use the services provided rather than external companies, as TH will not be responsible for any issues that arise,’ he told media personnel at the TH headquarters here.
Zahari said that despite the difference in currency exchange rates, the delivery fees remain the same as last ye
ar, at SAR18 per kilogramme for delivery to Peninsular Malaysia and SAR23 to Sabah and Sarawak, based on a three-year agreement with the companies.
Elaborating, he said the items sent by pilgrims will be packed in special boxes provided by the courier companies or suitable bags, with the delivery expected to take 14 working days.
Before the goods are shipped, both agencies will ensure no prohibited items, such as Zamzam water, weapons or hazardous materials are included.
Meanwhile, he said that the External Services Division also monitors the cafeteria services provided at each maktab, including overseeing the pricing of food and drinks, cleanliness, menu variety and hygiene of both the premises and the staff.
‘We also ensure the quality of the menu by not carrying over morning sales to the afternoon, and prices must not exceed the ceiling prices set,’ he said.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency