This article contains affiliate links. If you sign up or make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
⚡ Quick Answer
Tabung Haji (TH) is Malaysia’s government-backed Islamic savings institution primarily for funding the Haj pilgrimage. In 2026, TH pays an annual dividend (hibah) of around 3–4% (exact rate announced each year), your money is Shariah-compliant, and withdrawals for non-Haj purposes are permitted with some conditions. It’s one of the safest savings vehicles in Malaysia for Muslim investors.
What Is Tabung Haji?
Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) was established in 1963 under the Tabung Haji Act, making it one of Malaysia’s oldest financial institutions. It was set up to help Malaysian Muslims save systematically for the Haj pilgrimage while earning Shariah-compliant returns on their savings in the interim.
TH manages a diversified investment portfolio on behalf of its depositors — investing in Shariah-compliant equities, sukuk (Islamic bonds), real estate, and other halal assets both domestically and internationally. As of 2025, TH manages assets worth well over RM70 billion, making it one of the largest Islamic fund managers in the world.
Critically, Tabung Haji deposits are government-guaranteed — the Malaysian government has explicitly backed TH deposits, making it as safe as money in a government savings bond.
Tabung Haji Returns: What’s the Dividend in 2026?
TH announces its annual dividend (called hibah and bonus) typically in January each year for the preceding year. Here’s a historical overview:
| Year | Hibah Rate | Bonus | Total Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1.25% | 0.5% | 1.75% |
| 2021 | 2.45% | 0.5% | 2.95% |
| 2022 | 3.10% | 0.5% | 3.60% |
| 2023 | 3.80% | 0.5% | 4.30% |
| 2024 | 3.55% | 0.5% | 4.05% |
| 2025 | ~3.5–4.0%* | TBC | TBC |
*2025 rate to be announced in early 2026. Check TH’s official website for the latest figures.
The hibah is paid on your minimum monthly balance — so consistent monthly deposits maximise your returns. Timing your deposits at the start of each month (rather than the end) increases the balance that qualifies for dividends.
How to Open a Tabung Haji Account in 2026
Eligibility
Tabung Haji accounts are available to Malaysian Muslim citizens only. Non-Muslims and non-citizens are not eligible. There is no age restriction — parents can open accounts for their children (with the parent acting as guardian).
Documents Required
To open an account, you’ll need your MyKad (IC) and a minimum initial deposit of RM5. That’s genuinely it for a basic savings account — no income proof, no statements required.
Ways to Register
- TH Meraih App — TH’s official mobile app allows full digital registration for existing MyKad holders. Download from Google Play or the App Store.
- TH Branches — Walk in to any TH branch nationwide with your MyKad and RM5. Over 130 branches across Malaysia.
- Appointed Agents — Certain banks and post offices (Pos Malaysia) can also facilitate TH account opening.
How to Deposit Into Tabung Haji
TH offers multiple deposit channels in 2026:
- TH Meraih App — transfer from your bank account directly via DuitNow or IBG
- TH Online (thonline.com.my) — internet banking portal for transfers and account management
- Internet Banking — most Malaysian banks (Maybank2u, CIMB Clicks, RHB Now, etc.) allow you to add TH as a payee and transfer directly
- TH ATMs — available at TH branches and selected locations nationwide
- Cash deposit at TH branches or agents
There is no maximum deposit limit, though very large deposits (above RM500,000) may require additional documentation for AML compliance purposes.
Withdrawing From Tabung Haji: What You Need to Know
This is where many depositors get confused. TH withdrawals depend on your Haj registration status.
If You Are NOT Registered for Haj
You can withdraw any amount above the minimum balance of RM5. Withdrawals are processed within 1–3 working days and can be done via the TH Meraih app, TH Online, or at a branch.
If You ARE Registered for Haj
Once you register for Haj, a portion of your savings is locked to cover Haj costs. The locked amount varies depending on the Haj package price set by TH each year (typically RM10,000–RM15,000+ depending on category). You can still withdraw any balance above the locked amount.
After performing Haj, all restrictions are lifted and you can withdraw freely.
Beneficiary (Wasiat) Withdrawals
In the event of a depositor’s death, the balance is distributed according to faraid (Islamic inheritance law) or the depositor’s registered wasiat (will). Nominees receive funds efficiently — one of TH’s administrative advantages over regular bank accounts for Muslim estate planning.
Tabung Haji vs Other Savings Options in Malaysia
| Option | Rate (2026) | Shariah? | Government Guarantee? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tabung Haji | ~3.5–4.0% | Yes | Yes | Muslim savers, Haj planning |
| ASB (Amanah Saham Bumiputera) | ~4–5% | Debated | Implicit (govt-linked) | Bumiputera investors |
| Fixed Deposit (Islamic) | ~3.0–3.7% | Yes (GIA/Murabahah) | PIDM (up to RM250k) | Short-term savings |
| Versa (money market) | ~3.8–4.2% | Depends on fund | No | Flexible cash parking |
| RytBank | Up to 4% | No | PIDM | Non-Muslim or mixed savers |
TH competes well with fixed deposits and is safer than money market funds (which are not government-guaranteed). For Muslim Malaysians who value Shariah compliance and the security of government backing, it’s a foundational savings account.
If you want to complement your TH savings with a high-yield Shariah-compliant option, Download Versa and use referral code 7DP9797J to claim RM10 — Versa’s Shariah fund option offers competitive returns with daily liquidity.
Tabung Haji for Children: Should You Open an Account for Your Kids?
Yes — and many Malaysian parents do exactly this. Opening a TH account for a child costs as little as RM5 and gives them a head start on Haj savings from an early age. The hibah compounds over decades, and the Haj waiting list for Malaysia can be 20–30+ years long — so starting early is both financially and logistically smart.
Children’s accounts are managed by a parent or guardian until the child turns 18, at which point full control transfers to the account holder.
Our Recommendation
Every Muslim Malaysian should have a Tabung Haji account — the government guarantee, Shariah compliance, and competitive hibah rate make it a no-brainer as a foundation savings account. Open one now via the TH Meraih app with just RM5 and start depositing early in each month to maximise your hibah.
Don’t treat TH as your only savings vehicle, though. Diversify: keep 3–6 months of emergency funds in a liquid account (Versa, RytBank, or a high-interest savings account), invest for long-term growth via EPF, ASB, or equity platforms, and use TH specifically for your Haj savings goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tabung Haji safe?
Yes. TH deposits are explicitly backed by the Malaysian government. Unlike bank deposits (which are covered by PIDM up to RM250,000), TH’s guarantee has no cap. The government recapitalised TH in 2019 to ensure its financial soundness, reinforcing its status as one of Malaysia’s safest savings institutions.
How long is the Haj waiting list in Malaysia?
The waiting period varies by state and registration date. As of 2025–2026, the waiting period is approximately 25–35 years for most Malaysian states. This is why registering and saving early is critical — even if you’re in your 30s now, you may not perform Haj until your 60s.
Can I use my TH savings for purposes other than Haj?
Yes. TH is a savings institution, not exclusively a Haj fund. You can deposit and withdraw freely (subject to minimum balance requirements and Haj registration locks). Many Malaysians use TH as part of their emergency fund or general Islamic savings strategy.
What is the difference between hibah and bonus in Tabung Haji?
Hibah is the base return paid on your savings — this is the main “dividend” equivalent. Bonus is an additional distribution that TH may declare on top of the hibah, typically a smaller percentage. Both are Shariah-compliant distributions (not interest/riba), which is why TH uses these terms instead of “interest rate.”
Can non-Bumiputera Muslims open a Tabung Haji account?
Yes. Tabung Haji is open to all Malaysian Muslim citizens regardless of ethnicity — Malay, Chinese Muslim, Indian Muslim, and others. The only requirements are Malaysian citizenship and Muslim faith.
