In a statement today, the bank said the MoU is aimed at prospective haj pilgrims who plan to subscribe to the haj package via the 22 pilgrim manager companies appointed by Lembaga Tabung Haji.

“It also puts in place a partnership and knowledge-sharing session educating Bumitra members on financing solutions Bank Islam provides, especially for haj and umrah.

“The collaboration area includes disseminating information regarding the facilities and services offered,” it said.

The services include the Bank Islam Visa Tabung Haji Debit Card-i which offers a vast payment network and cash access worldwide.

The card also facilitates financial transactions for haj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, including waiving the charges for cash withdrawals during the haj season, said Bank Islam.

The bank also launched a campaign, “Once in a Lifetime”, especially for potential haj pilgrims or next of kin who want to help parents to perform the haj by applying for this personal financing with a minimum amount of RM50,000.

The campaign runs from March 24 to May 31, and offers a chance to win umrah package prizes.

“The personal financing package provides an opportunity for prospective haj pilgrims who can repay the financing in a structured manner according to their respective financial capabilities,” it said.

Bank Islam group CEO Muazzam Mohamed said the bank’s role is not only limited to being a financial solution hub for pilgrims but will be expanded comprehensively to more than 600 tourism companies registered under Bumitra and their customers.

Apart from personal financing products and the Bank Islam Visa Tabung Haji Debit Card-i, Bank Islam also offers other products such as the Al-Awfar investment account, credit card-i, takaful protection products, will-writing, online and mobile banking facilities and foreign currency exchange at Bank Islam’s “Bureau de Change” counter.