31/03/2025

MONDAY | MAR 31, 2025

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Prospective pilgrims reminded to settle debts before Haj

Spike in self-declared bankruptcies raises red flags PUTRAJAYA: The rising trend of individuals voluntarily declaring bankruptcy has become a growing concern, signalling that many are facing severe financial distress. In recent years, more people have chosen to file for bankruptcy through a Debtor’s Petition – a legal process in which individuals seek court protection from mounting creditor claims. Insolvency Department director-general Datuk M. Bakri Abd Majid expressed concern over the trend, revealing a 200% surge in self declared bankruptcy cases. A total of 330 cases were recorded in 2024, compared with 181 in 2023 and 116 in 2022. “We’re seeing more individuals declaring bankruptcy because they feel unable to repay their debts. “Some borrowers may also choose this route to ease their financial burden. For example, if their monthly debt repayment is RM2,000, they might expect that amount to reduce to just RM200 after being declared bankrupt,” he told Bernama. He said the Insolvency Department is taking the trend seriously and is currently reviewing the Debtor’s Petition process to prevent potential misuse, as it does not involve a minimum debt threshold. “With a Debtor’s Petition, anyone can apply for a court order to declare bankruptcy without any set debt limit. They only need to complete the necessary documents and pay a deposit. “In contrast, a Creditor’s Petition is only applicable when the debt exceeds RM100,000, allowing creditors to initiate bankruptcy proceedings,” he said. M. Bakri also cautioned that the government’s Second Chance Policy, introduced to help individuals regain financial stability, could be exploited if self-declared bankruptcies continue unchecked. “I’m concerned that some individuals may abuse the system. They could file a Debtor’s Petition, declare bankruptcy and, knowing they can be discharged within three years by making minimal payments, use the Second Chance Policy to clear their status,” he said. The Second Chance Policy, part of the Madani government initiative, is designed to assist individuals with small-scale debts in obtaining bankruptcy discharge under specific conditions. Between March 2023 and December 2024, a total of 176,851 bankruptcy discharges were granted under the policy, surpassing the initial target of 130,000 cases. M. Bakri added that the department is now working to extend the Second Chance Policy to include bankrupt companies. “We are identifying eligible businesses that can be included in this initiative,” he said. Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government would expand the Second Chance Policy to assist bankrupt companies in recovering from financial distress.

SHAH ALAM: Muslims must fully understand the concept of istito’ah (ability) before embarking on the Haj, which is a key requirement for fulfilling the fifth pillar of Islam. Many assume that having sufficient funds to cover travel expenses, personal costs in the Holy Land, and the needs of their families at home automatically fulfils this condition. However, some prospective pilgrims overlook an important aspect – settling outstanding debts – while others disregard it entirely, choosing to perform Haj without first repaying money owed to acquaintances or relatives. Selangor Mufti Datuk Dr Anhar Opir said Islam places great importance on human rights, and unpaid debts are a trust that must be honoured as part of i stito’ah in fulfilling the Haj pilgrimage. “Performing the Umrah is considered o Fulfilling istito’ah goes beyond finances and health, includes honouring obligations and ensuring readiness: Mufti Couple keeps Raya spirit alive with RM50 festive wear KLUANG: Aiming to make Raya attire more affordable for the B40 and low-income groups, Chinese couple Chee Sur Wing, 32, and Rita Too Wan Er, 31, are offering festive outfits for as little as RM50 per pair. According to Chee, this is the second year they are selling Raya attire at such accessible prices and they plan to continue the initiative following overwhelming support. Last year alone, they successfully sold about 10,000 pairs. Their collection includes Baju Melayu Cekak Musang and Baju Melayu Teluk Belanga (Johor style), along with Baju Kurung and Baju Kebaya for women – all priced at RM50 per pair and available in sizes up to 7XL. “Despite the RM50 price tag, we prioritise quality, particularly in fabric and stitching. We use satin and Como Crepe fabric, combined with high-quality thread, to ensure durability and long-lasting wear,” he said. “Following the strong response last year, we opened orders earlier this year, starting in January, with around 20,000 pairs produced,” he told Bernama in a recent interview. Chee, who operates under the Pahlawanku brand, said the Raya collection is exclusively available in Kluang and nearby areas, as he prioritises supporting his local community first. Currently, the collection is sold at his shop in

sunnah (encouraged), while settling debts is wajib (obligatory). Therefore, debts must be paid off first. “As for Haj, it is a compulsory act of worship – once in a lifetime for those who can afford it. However, since repaying debts is also an obligation, some scholars believe debts must be settled first as they involve the rights of others. “If, after paying the debts, there is not enough money left to go for Haj, then it is not obligatory for that person to perform it,” he told Bernama. However, he clarified that those with outstanding debts from personal financing through banking institutions are not exempt from the Haj obligation as long as they are able to manage their repayments while meeting other financial needs. Anhar, who also chairs the Haj Guidance Committee, said there are Muslims who fulfil all the conditions of istito’ah but still choose not to perform Haj without a valid reason recognised by syarak . He said such individuals fall into the category of those who neglect their religious obligations. “For those who deliberately refuse to perform Haj despite having the means, it is considered sinful, as Haj is a pillar of Islam and remains obligatory for those who are capable,” he added. According to Anhar, istito’ah , as outlined by

Islamic law, extends beyond physical and financial capability. It also includes safety considerations, such as a secure journey, access to transport to and from the Holy Land, and obtaining the necessary permission from Saudi authorities. He emphasised that physical health is one of the five key conditions of istito’ah , as pilgrims must be able to perform the Haj rituals independently. “The pilgrimage requires endurance, as it involves navigating massive crowds over an extended period – up to 45 days – in harsh, dry weather conditions that are vastly different from Malaysia. “Whether performing the tawaf , sa’i , or stoning ritual, every location is densely packed with people, demanding both physical stamina and, more importantly, mental resilience. “That is why Tabung Haji conducts strict health screenings for all prospective pilgrims – not to unfairly deny anyone, but to uphold the maqasid (higher objectives) of ensuring pilgrims are in the best possible health to perform the pilgrimage properly,” he said. For the 1446H/2025M Haj season, the muassasah package for first-time pilgrims from the B40 income group is set at RM15,000. The cost is RM23,500 for the M40 group, while T20 pilgrims must pay the full rate of RM33,300.

This is the second year that Chee and Too are selling Raya attire at such accessible prices and they plan to continue the initiative following overwhelming support. – BERNAMAPIC

Kluang town for pre-orders and at the Aidilfitri bazaar in Kluang for ready-made pieces in various sizes. “This year, we are also offering a family package for four at RM180, which includes a pair of adult men’s and boys’ Baju Melayu, as well as a

pair of adult women’s and girls’ Baju Kurung or Baju Kebaya. “In addition, we have a variety of kurtas starting at just RM15,” he added, noting that the idea to sell affordable Raya wear was inspired by a Malay acquaintance.

Beras Melaka to hit state market within two weeks JASIN: About 3,000 bags of Beras Melaka will be distributed and sold across the state within two weeks, said state rural development, agriculture and food security committee chairman Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh. since last year, will be sold at RM26 per bag. The sale will be managed by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority of Malacca. “This batch of 30 tonnes of white rice comes from 42ha of padi fields across the state, using rice seeds we produced ourselves. “We are targeting increased sales in July, He said a 10kg bag of Beras Melaka, produced from MR 297 rice seeds cultivated

at RM58 per bag, with 2,347 bags successfully produced so far. “This effort has proven very helpful to farmers, allowing them to obtain quality seeds at affordable prices, purchased directly from the Area Farmers’ Organisation (PPK) without involving middlemen,” he said. – Bernama

with 200 to 300 tonnes of rice expected to be harvested from (405ha) of padi fields,” he said at the state-level Semarak Syawal programme held at the Merlimau Farmers’ Market on Saturday. Akmal added that Malacca has also produced its own rice seeds for sale to farmers