MAKKAH: Among the 31,600 Malaysian pilgrims during this haj season, Baharin Osman and his family truly stand out.
The 60-year-old and his 55-year-old wife, Heliza Zaini, are performing the haj with their eight children and four sons-in-law.
This came about thanks to Baharin following the example his grandfather set before him; saving with Lembaga Tabung Haji with the view of having enough that all his children can go on the pilgrimage together, all since they were young.
"When it comes to saving with Tabung Haji, the amount deducted increases according to my income, so when I receive a promotion, the amount goes up as well.
"When savings are made through salary deductions, we only spend the remaining balance, and I don't feel it as a burden when we are committed to spending within our means," he said when met by the media at the TH headquarters here recently.
He also said it was important to manage the money after all deductions are made.
Baharin said his grandfather saved for his children until they were able to perform the haj.
"It may have been quite difficult, but there is a sweetness in it because he truly wanted his children to perform the haj while they were still young.
"When I performed my first haj in 2008, my wife and I always prayed for all eight of my children to go together.
"Our prayers were answered, and we were able to go with four sons-in-law as well," said Baharin, who has six grandchildren.