Tabung Haji backs law changes to protect depositors

Photo courtesy of Hari Anggara / Malay Mail

Tabung Haji has welcomed the government’s plan to amend the Tabung Haji Act 1995, saying the changes should strengthen governance and help protect the interests of depositors.

The board said the move follows recommendations by a Royal Commission of Inquiry and supports its responsibility as an Islamic financial institution managing savings intended for the hajj pilgrimage.

Tabung Haji said it would continue working to improve governance, transparency and integrity, with the aim of safeguarding depositor interests and the institution’s long-term sustainability. In a social-media post, it said it supported measures that would preserve public trust for future generations.

Government plans

Prime Minister and Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Sunday that the government would amend the 1995 law, also known as Act 535. He described the amendment as part of the Madani Government’s effort to strengthen governance and address institutional weaknesses firmly.

The source report did not set out the proposed wording, timetable or the detailed recommendations that would be adopted. The next important step will be the government’s formal presentation of the amendments and the parliamentary process that follows.

Why this matters

Tabung Haji’s role is closely tied to the savings of Malaysian Muslims planning to perform the hajj. Governance and disclosure rules are therefore central to depositor confidence, especially where a public institution manages funds over many years.

For people with Tabung Haji accounts, the announcement does not change day-to-day arrangements by itself. It signals that the legal framework governing the institution is under review, with the stated aim of making responsibilities clearer and maintaining trust.

Depositors will need to watch for the final bill and any official explanation of how the amendments affect oversight, reporting and the management of their savings.

18 August 2026