HAJ PILGRIMAGE (Organization and management by MUIS)

Encik Ibrahim Othman asked the Minister for the Environment whether the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura has finalised its plans to undertake fully the organisation and management of the Haj pilgrimage for Muslims and what steps MUIS is taking to prevent confusion among future pilgrims arising from advertisements by tour organisations inviting bookings for the coming Haj season.

The Minister for the Environment (Dr Ahmad Mattar): ( In Malay): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, in 1986, the Establishment for Southeast Asian Pilgrims (Muassasah), an organisation under the Saudi Ministry of Pilgrimage and Endowments, informed the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) that they would deal only with MUIS on pilgrimage matters affecting Singapore pilgrims. Following the receipt of this decision, MUIS has been working towards taking over the management of pilgrimage matters from pilgrim brokers. MUIS is hopeful that this can be achieved by the end of 1988. For the coming Haj season, MUIS will continue its present arrangement of having licensed pilgrim brokers assist in the pilgrimage exercise. However, MUIS will assume greater responsibility and control in many areas previously left to pilgrim brokers to manage independently.

MUIS will be responsible for:- (i) negotiating directly with airlines for a reasonable fare; (ii) negotiating directly with the various agencies in Saudi Arabia for accomodation for Singapore pilgrims; (iii) approving the itinerary and services offered by the pilgrim brokers and the tour fares which they will charge; and (iv) ensuring that pilgrim brokers provide a sufficient number of experienced helpers to look after the welfare of the pilgrims under their charge.

Following the spate of advertisements by tour organisations, MUIS called a meeting of interested pilgrim brokers on 27th October, 1987 and asked them to cease advertising their services for the forthcoming Haj season. MUIS also issued a Press Statement on 28th October, 1987 advising the Muslim public not to register with the pilgrim brokers until they have been officially appointed by MUIS.

Encik Ibrahim Othman (Tanah Merah): ( In Malay): Sir, is it true that if MUIS takes over the running of Haj affairs, the fees incurred in performing the Haj will be reduced? Secondly, what steps will be taken by MUIS to help prospective pil- grims who have already registered with pilgrimage agents before the MUIS made its announcement recently?

Dr Ahmad Mattar: ( In Malay): Mr Deputy Speaker, expenses incurred by a pilgrim depend on several factors and this has nothing to do with the taking over of Haj management by MUIS from the pilgrim brokers. Apart from airfares, the quality of the pilgrim's accommodation is another important factor that will determine the expenses the pilgrim will incur. For example, if a pilgrim wishes to stay in a five-star hotel, such as the Ajyad Hotel in the Holy City of Makkah, this will automatically increase his expenses, compared with that of a pilgrim who only needs moderate accommodation. In any case, MUIS will try its best to ensure that the services it provides and the services provided by certain agencies in Saudi Arabia will satisfy to the pilgrims.

With regard to the second question, I think it would be best for prospective pilgrims who have hitherto registered with pilgrimage agents to contact MUIS to resolve this matter.

Encik Abbas Abu Amin (Pasir Panjang): ( In Malay): Sir, in view of the increasing responsibilities of MUIS in coordinating these new functions, does it have sufficient staff to cope with this, or has it sought the people who can really give better service than the pilgrim brokers?

Dr Ahmad Mattar: ( In Malay): As the hon. Member for Pasir Panjang knows, during Haj seasons MUIS requires the services of Welfare Officers and this practice will, of course, be continued by MUIS in the next pilgrimage season when it takes over the function of Haj administration and management from the pilgrim brokers.

Mr Chiam See Tong: Mr Deputy Speaker, I think it would be very sad for the Malay community if MUIS completely takes over this business of Haj prilgrimage. Because, as it is, there is already ---

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order. Mr Chiam, can you ask your supplementary question?

Mr Chiam See Tong: All right. In view of the fact that there is already a lack of Malay entrepreneurs in Singapore, would not this kind of agency, in fact, kill whatever little entrepreneurial spirit there is in the Malay community?

Dr Ahmad Mattar: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the decision to allow MUIS to take over pilgrimage matters is made by the Saudi Ministry of Pilgrimage and Endowments. It has nothing to do with MUIS. It is a requirement.

Mr Chiam See Tong: Am I to understand from the Minister that in all these Muslim countries, only official agencies can do this kind of business? Is that the correct position in regard to other Muslim countries?

Dr Ahmad Mattar: The answer must be yes, isn't it? If it is a requirement by the Saudi Ministry of Pilgrimage and Endowments, I see no reason why the requirement is imposed on Singapore only.

Mr Chiam See Tong: Why is it that they impose this kind of a condition only at this stage? I believe previously private individuals were allowed to arrange this kind of an agency.

Dr Ahmad Mattar: Why don't you address the question to the Saudi Embassy in Singapore?