IKHLAS.COM TO SPONSOR UMRAH FOR 1,000 ASNAF IN FIFTH ANNIVERSARY CAMPAIGN

KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 (Bernama) -- Ikhlas Com Travel & Umrah Sdn Bhd (ikhlas.com) will sponsor Umrah packages for 1,000 asnaf (eligible zakat recipients) in conjunction with its fifth anniversary this year.

Its chief executive officer Ikhlas Kamarudin said the Umrah 1,000 Asnaf Campaign was launched as an initiative to give back to the community and provide more Muslims with the opportunity to perform Umrah.

“As of today, nine asnaf have been selected and we’ve received over 800 applications. The campaign will run for a year and a half, and we expect the first group of pilgrims to depart for the Holy Land in July 2025.

“They will depart in stages, with groups flying according to designated dates,” he said at the campaign’s launch ceremony here today, which was also attended by Capital A executive chairman, Datuk Kamarudin Meranun.

Ikhlas said about RM5 million has been allocated for the Umrah sponsorship, excluding the cost of identifying eligible candidates through a nationwide selection process.

“Our flagship Umrah package starts from RM4,999, and for 1,000 recipients, this brings the total to RM5 million. The package is basic but includes accommodation, transportation, guided Umrah with a mutawif (Umrah guide), visits to historical sites, and other essentials for the pilgrims,” he said.

Ikhlas added that in conjunction with the campaign, a classic 1987 Mercedes S124 300TE named ‘Qashwa’ will tour the country, including Sabah and Sarawak, to help identify qualified candidates for the Umrah sponsorship.

He said members of the public can submit nominations via the @ikhlasdotcom Instagram page using the hashtag #IkhlasUmrah1000Asnaf, along with visual proof of the nominee’s asnaf status.

“ikhlas.com will personally visit shortlisted candidates for interviews before finalising the recipients of the Umrah 1,000 Asnaf sponsorship,” he said.

-- BERNAMA