KL to buy plane to cut haj cost

KL to buy plane to cut haj cost

MALAYSIA: Pilgrims in Malaysia can look forward to cheaper flights as the government plans to buy an aircraft to transport them to Mecca, reports said on Sunday.

Second Finance Minister Jamaludin Jarjis was quoted by the Sunday Star as saying that the Pilgrimage Board was currently leasing aircraft from international airlines, and the costs were passed on to passengers.

But expenses for every pilgrim heading to Mecca could be cut by one-third if the board has its own aircraft, he said.

"We are aware that a pilgrim has to pay up to 20,000 ringgit (US$5,263) ... which is a great burden especially for those from the lower-income group. If the board can have its own plane, it can offer cheaper airfares," he said.

The move will also encourage younger Muslims to go for their pilgrimage, he said. -- AFP