ID :
30669
Mon, 11/17/2008 - 11:07
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/30669
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M'SIAN HAJJ PILGRIM FUND BOARD TO OFFSET INCREASE IN HOTEL RATES FOR PILGRIMS
By Zulkefli Salleh
MECCA, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- To offset the escalating hotel and hostel rates
for pilgrims in this holy city, Lembaga Tabung Haji is planning to enter into
rental agreements for up to 10 years, from the current four years.
Tabung Haji is the Malaysian hajj pilgrims fund board.
Malaysian haj consul Khalid Noordin said this would entail a large sum of
money, thereby offseting the increase in rates.
The rates are expected to further increase with the demolition of hotels
and
hostels to make way for the construction of the second phase of the expansion of
Masjidil Haram (Grand Mosque) after the current pilgrimage.
Speaking to Malaysian reporters joining the Tabung Haji entourage here,
Khalid said hotels and hostels with 500,000 beds within a 300-metre radius of
the Grand Mosque would be demolished.
The rates had doubled since expansion of the Baitullah began after
last year's pilgrimage, he added.
Khalid said Malaysian pilgrims were not affected by the increase in rates
as they had been paying the old rates, with the exception of those staying at
two newly-rented accommodations.
"We are lucky as most hotels and hostels are still under Tabung Haji's
rental agreement. However, to brace for future increase in rental, we need to
rent the accommodations for a longer period (up to 10 years)," he said.
He said Tabung Haji recently rented Hotel Movenpick, close to the Prophet
Mosque in Medina, as its operations office for 10 years.
"We are enjoying returns on investment as it will not only cater for
Malaysian pilgrims but also other visitors during the non-haj seasons," he said.
He said Tabung Haji could not buy hotels in Medina due to restriction
placed on foreigners.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
recently announced that Malaysia would be involved in a joint-venture project
with Ben Laden Group to build a 30-storey hotel with 1,650 rooms, about 200
metres from Masjidil Haram.
When completed, the hotel can house 18,000 Malaysian pilgrims.
Khalid said Malaysian pilgrims staying at hotels and hostels within one
kilometre from Masjidil Haram would find it easier to perform prayers at
Baitullah.
However, for those staying further from Masjidil Haram, Tabung Haji is
making arrangements to provide them with systematic and safe transportation.
"We are negotiating with Muassasah (Saudi haj agency) to find a transport
operator to provide transportation for them," he added.
Currently, pilgrims either travel on foot or take vans provided by
individuals to Masjidil Haram.
Pilgrims staying at Abraj Janadiriah Hotel are charged one Saudi riyal
(RM0.90) for a 800-metre journey to the Grand Mosque.
The hotel is opposite the Tabung Haji office, a commercial enclave where a
bazaar and several eating outlets are located.
The hotel houses a restaurant serving Malaysian food, besides providing
cash withdrawals, health, postal and counselling services and holding haj talks.
-- BERNAMA
MECCA, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- To offset the escalating hotel and hostel rates
for pilgrims in this holy city, Lembaga Tabung Haji is planning to enter into
rental agreements for up to 10 years, from the current four years.
Tabung Haji is the Malaysian hajj pilgrims fund board.
Malaysian haj consul Khalid Noordin said this would entail a large sum of
money, thereby offseting the increase in rates.
The rates are expected to further increase with the demolition of hotels
and
hostels to make way for the construction of the second phase of the expansion of
Masjidil Haram (Grand Mosque) after the current pilgrimage.
Speaking to Malaysian reporters joining the Tabung Haji entourage here,
Khalid said hotels and hostels with 500,000 beds within a 300-metre radius of
the Grand Mosque would be demolished.
The rates had doubled since expansion of the Baitullah began after
last year's pilgrimage, he added.
Khalid said Malaysian pilgrims were not affected by the increase in rates
as they had been paying the old rates, with the exception of those staying at
two newly-rented accommodations.
"We are lucky as most hotels and hostels are still under Tabung Haji's
rental agreement. However, to brace for future increase in rental, we need to
rent the accommodations for a longer period (up to 10 years)," he said.
He said Tabung Haji recently rented Hotel Movenpick, close to the Prophet
Mosque in Medina, as its operations office for 10 years.
"We are enjoying returns on investment as it will not only cater for
Malaysian pilgrims but also other visitors during the non-haj seasons," he said.
He said Tabung Haji could not buy hotels in Medina due to restriction
placed on foreigners.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
recently announced that Malaysia would be involved in a joint-venture project
with Ben Laden Group to build a 30-storey hotel with 1,650 rooms, about 200
metres from Masjidil Haram.
When completed, the hotel can house 18,000 Malaysian pilgrims.
Khalid said Malaysian pilgrims staying at hotels and hostels within one
kilometre from Masjidil Haram would find it easier to perform prayers at
Baitullah.
However, for those staying further from Masjidil Haram, Tabung Haji is
making arrangements to provide them with systematic and safe transportation.
"We are negotiating with Muassasah (Saudi haj agency) to find a transport
operator to provide transportation for them," he added.
Currently, pilgrims either travel on foot or take vans provided by
individuals to Masjidil Haram.
Pilgrims staying at Abraj Janadiriah Hotel are charged one Saudi riyal
(RM0.90) for a 800-metre journey to the Grand Mosque.
The hotel is opposite the Tabung Haji office, a commercial enclave where a
bazaar and several eating outlets are located.
The hotel houses a restaurant serving Malaysian food, besides providing
cash withdrawals, health, postal and counselling services and holding haj talks.
-- BERNAMA
