Deputy PM Fadillah says TH is in talks with airlines to shield Malaysian haj pilgrims from potential flight cost hikes due to global fuel price volatility.

KUCHING: The Pilgrims Fund Board (TH) is negotiating with airlines to ensure flight ticket costs for Malaysian haj pilgrims are not affected by global fuel price uncertainties.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the discussions involve both domestic and international carriers to prevent possible increases ahead of the upcoming haj season.

He said rising oil prices due to geopolitical tensions increase insurance and overall logistics costs. This impacts air and sea transportation, including domestic routes like those between Sabah and Sarawak.

Fuel surcharges on both domestic and international flights are among the issues being managed. The final decision will be announced by TH or Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Zulkifli Hassan after negotiations conclude.

Fadillah, also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, said the government is closely monitoring developments as rising logistics costs could affect various sectors. He did not rule out the possibility that the cost of performing the haj could increase if conflict in the Gulf region continues.

“That is why we hope the Prime Minister can also play a role as a mediator in negotiations with leaders in the Gulf region so that the conflict can be resolved,” he told reporters after a charity event.

He added that at the very least, the Strait of Hormuz should remain open so the logistics sector can continue operating. The strait is a crucial energy corridor connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

It serves as the main maritime route for Gulf producers to export large quantities of oil and gas to international markets.

 The Sun Malaysia