KUALA LUMPUR, 5 Jun 2014, Khamis – Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) creates its own history as the first non-banking Islamic institution in the world to introduce a Tabung Haji Debiti MasterCard. 

The launch was officiated by the Prime Minister, YAB Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, during a ceremony at TH headquarters. Also present were YB Major General Dato' Seri Jamil Khir Haji Baharom, Minister in the Prime Minister Department, YB Dato' Sri Haji Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim, TH Chairman and YBhg Dato' Paduka Ismee Ismail, TH Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

Tabung Haji Debit-i MasterCard provides depositors another access to their TH account and works like cash or a personal check in which all purchases and transactions will be debited directly from their savings account. It allows hajj pilgrims to conveniently perform their withdrawal and purchasing transactions in the Holy Land. Cardholders can withdraw cash at more than 2.5 million ATMs worldwide as well as
enjoy the convenience of shopping over 38 million merchant locations where MasterCard is accepted in Saudi Arabia and around the world.

The introduction of this card is also significant in advancing Malaysia as a key hub for Islamic finance in line with Malaysia’s Economic Transformation programme which aspires to have an innovative, competitive and thriving financial services industry as a key component of the economy.

The application for Tabung Haji Debit-i MasterCard can be made starting Monday, 9 June 2014 at all TH counters nationwide. 

“MasterCard is deeply committed to working with TH to deliver a comprehensive range of innovative and tailored Shariah-compliant, Islamic payment solutions to its depositors. With this collaboration, TH depositors will enjoy the convenience of a globally accepted MasterCard Debit card to give them access to their accounts whether at home in Malaysia, travelling to Makkah or Madinah as part of their pilgrimage or other locations. We are honoured to be able to enable this important product with the safety, security and convenience of the global MasterCard network and look forward to a fruitful partnership with this respected institution,” said Matthew Driver, President, Southeast Asia, MasterCard.

In the same ceremony, YAB Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak also launched an Islamic one-stop-center or Islamic Financial Services Centre (IFiC) and Coffee Table Book TH. 

"The opening of IFiC supports the Government effort in providing a one-stop-center for Islamic services", said YB Dato' Seri Jamil Khir Baharom in his welcoming remarks. IFIC which houses four (4) agencies in a same premise will provide various services and products for the convenience of TH depositors and Muslims in general.

Following TH Golden Jubilee celebration, a Coffee Table Book entitled "TH – Malaysia’s Success Story" was also launched. The book, published in collaboration with BERNAMA, documenting TH’s evolution and its best performance in various aspects, including Shariah-compliant economic activities it undertakes for the benefit and interest of the Muslims worldwide.

Also present at the launch was the Board, Chief Executive Officer of subsidiary companies, President, Southeast Asia MasterCard, General Manager of BERNAMA and all TH members and subsidiaries.

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