NILAI, April 13 (Bernama) -- A total of 226 graduates of the Executive Programme for Haj Guide Facilitators (EPIH) 2026 were honoured at a graduation ceremony held at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) here today.
The programme, jointly organised by Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) and Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), aims to produce professional, highly skilled and integrity-driven haj and umrah guides to ensure the welfare of pilgrims throughout their pilgrimage.
TH Group managing director and chief executive officer Mustakim Mohamad said the strategic collaboration was important in strengthening the country’s haj guidance ecosystem.
“The EPIH programme is part of TH’s initiative to empower the mutawwif profession at the national level, covering not only haj guides but also umrah mutawwifs.
“TH is assessing the need to enhance accreditation standards, expand advanced training and strengthen competency-based learning modules to ensure more comprehensive and higher-quality haj and umrah guidance,” he said in a statement here today.
USIM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Sharifudin Md Shaarani said the EPIH reflected USIM’s commitment to developing balanced human capital from both an academic and values-based perspective.
He said the programme produced guides who not only understood aspects of worship but were also able to guide pilgrims with wisdom, empathy and professionalism.
The programme, which runs from January to March, is a continuation of the Hajj Management Certificate Programme introduced in 2010, featuring enhanced content and improved learning approaches.
The best graduate, Nur Hidayah Noordin, 37, said her participation in the programme had helped deepen her understanding and increase her confidence in guiding pilgrims, building on her previous experience in performing umrah.
“this programme not only provides theoretical exposure but also fosters a deep understanding of the responsibilities of a haj guide in ensuring pilgrims perform their worship calmly and confidently,” she said.
--BERNAMA
