No malpractices in Haj pilgrimage

by Mohammed Naalir

No corruption, fraud or malpractice took place during this year's hajj pilgrimage, Member of the Hajj Committee Asath Salley told the Sunday Observer yesterday.The allegation made by some mischievous elements based on personal advantage are baseless, he said.

Salley said that the pilgrims have expressed satisfaction over the facilities and the deduction of Hajj fee. The Hajj fee has declined by a considerable level.Each Hajj pilgrim paid Rs. 500,000 last year and it has come down to Rs. 325,000.

Asath Salley further said even the middle income earning Muslims in Sri Lanka have also obtained an opportunity to perform hajj with the deduction of Hajj fee.He noted that the pilgrims paid 1,000 Saudi Riyal to 1,250 Saudi Riyal as `Moulim fee'.

Accordingly 4,000 pilgrims performed Hajj last year and there were 6,338 pilgrims this year.