MAJLIS UGAMA ISLAM SINGAPURA (Collection of administrative fee from Muslims performing haj)

Encik Harun bin A. Ghani asked the Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (a) why Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura collects $200 each from Muslims who are going to perform haj and (b) how much was collected from 1994 to 1996 and how the money was spent.

Mr Abdullah Tarmugi: Sir, may I be allowed to reply in Malay?

Mr Speaker: Yes.

Mr Abdullah Tarmugi: (In Malay): Mr Speaker, the administrative fee of $200 for each haj pilgrim helps pay the costs of the various administrative, medical and welfare services provided by MUIS to our pilgrims.

MUIS helps to ensure that all the haj arrangements for Singapore pilgrims are smooth and incident-free. A team comprising Assistant Pilgrim Officers and a Religious Officer accompany the pilgrims during the pilgrimage to advise pilgrims on haj rituals, religious matters and welfare services.

Sufficient medical supplies and equipment will be brought into Saudi Arabia during the haj. Several premises are rented in Makkah, Medinah and Mina to be used as clinics and offices. These clinics are managed and served by a team of doctors and nurses from Singapore who are paid allowances. Two ambulances have been purchased to serve our pilgrims. From 1994 to 1996, the amount collected are as follows: Year Amount collected $ 1994 740,421 1995 823,156 1996 970,900 The amounts collected, Mr Speaker, Sir, have to be supplemented by donations from MSE Angullia Wakaf for the purchase of medical supplies.

Encik Ibrahim bin Othman (Bishan-Toa Payoh): Can I ask the Minister what is MUIS' stand on the group of pilgrims who went to the haj not through MUIS and whether MUIS intends to collect the same administrative fee of $200 from them? If not, what is MUIS' stand on these pilgrims if they were to seek help or services from the various doctors and welfare officers while they are in Makkah?

Mr Abdullah Tarmugi: (In Malay): Mr Speaker, the stand of MUIS in respect of such pilgrims is that MUIS would not accept nor encourage them to obtain any visa outside Singapore. This matter will be discussed further in the Committee of Supply.

With regard to whether they are required to pay $200, so far, MUIS did not collect any such amount from them. If we do, it means we are providing recognition to them. This issue will have to be studied further. With regard to services rendered at Makkah, MUIS does not take into consideration whether or not the pilgrim pays the $200 administrative fee because MUIS will provide the necessary assistance when needed.

Encik Ibrahim bin Othman: (In Malay): How can we make this matter more equitable for those who have paid the $200 and those who have not paid the $200 administrative fee? Will they receive the same treatment?

Mr Abdullah Tarmugi: (In Malay): Mr Speaker, if possible, I will discuss this matter further during the debate in the Committee of Supply.

Encik Harun bin A. Ghani (Hong Kah): (In Malay): Sir, why did MUIS not urge the pilgrim agents to use SIA flights?

Mr Abdullah Tarmugi: (In Malay): Mr Speaker, this is a matter which has been decided upon by the Saudi government with regard to pilgrims. The pilgrims are encouraged to use Saudi Air.