Opposition PPM-PNC coalition’s presidential candidate, Male’ City Mayor Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to award free Hajj trips for 1,000 low-income individuals if elected president.

Speaking at a campaign rally in M. Mulah on Friday night, Muizzu criticized how the state’s Maldives Hajj Corporation is run, pointing out various issues in this trajectory.

“Hajj Corporation is not run in the most efficient manner. No major benefits to the public,” he said.

Muizzu said reforms need to be made to Hajj Corporation, for its development.

He stressed the need to facilitate investing through the Hajj fund, for the corporation to become stronger financially.

“Am saying this to ensure direct benefits of this to the people,” he added.

Opposition PPM-PNC coalition’s presidential candidate, Male’ City Mayor Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at a campaign event in M. Mulah on August 18, 2023.

Muizzu reasoned that the cost of Hajj trips can be significantly cut down if this was implemented.

Speaking further, Muizzu said there were low-income individuals in the Maldives who cannot afford to go to Hajj. Therewith, he said once these changes are implemented, 100 individuals can be awarded free Hajj trips each year.

Muizzu pledged to award free Hajj trips for 1,000 people in his five-year term, by prioritizing individuals who do not have the financial capacity to fund their own trips.

He also said a legal body, under the name Maldives Zakat House, will be incepted during his administration which is aimed at strengthening the Zakat Fund and paving the way for investments in Shariah-approved sectors.

Muizzu said the opportunity will be there to invest in sectors approved in Shariah via the Zakat Fund, which will directly benefit the people.

He has also made various other pledges in the course of his campaign, to specific islands and atolls.