Latest news with #DepartmentofHaj
The Star
9 hours ago
- The Star
Making it easy to worship
Around 31,600 Malaysians from all states and from all walks of life were flown to Saudi Arabia for their Haj by Tabung Haji on 100 chartered flights. — Bernama MORE than two million Muslims gathered in Mecca this year for the Haj pilgrimage even as temperatures soared to 47°C. Of that number, 31,600 were Malaysians, coming from all states and from all walks of life, and ranging in age from 16 to 83 years old; they were all flown in by Tabung Haji on 100 chartered flights. Tabung Haji's Department of Haj head Hisham Harun said that this year, 632 personnel involved came from a cross-section of sectors, including hostels and zones management, healthcare, religious guidance for Haj and visits, finance, media, transportation, catering, baggage handling, customer service, and more. 'This is to cater to all the needs of the Malaysian pilgrims – from their lodgings to 42 menus of Malaysian food,' said Hisham, who was completely hands-on and on the ground assisting pilgrims throughout the Haj period. This year marked the strictest Haj by Saudi Arabia authorities – only the season during the Covid-19 lockdown was stricter – as the guardian of the Holy Land attempted to make this the safest Haj ever, with the lowest number of deaths. Following the tagline 'No Haj without Nusuk' – referring to the official digital platform that manages pilgrimages; 'nusuk' means permit in Arabic – security officials scanned the QR codes of everyone's big square tag at all checkpoints throughout Mecca and various entrances to the Grand Holy Mosque. Malaysia's Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar stressed that such rules were made to ensure the safety of Haj pilgrims remains the topmost priority. Mohd Na'im giving his Khutbah Arafah to Malaysian pilgrims. He says that strict rules have been implemented to ensure the safety of Haj pilgrims remains the topmost priority. — Bernama Saudi authorities also ordered a lockdown at midday during the pinnacle period of Day of Arafah to avoid deaths – every year, this is the day most deaths occur as the elderly and vulnerable attempt to walk in the midday sun to the various holy sites.
The Star
24-04-2025
- The Star
‘Respect the laws of the land'
Tabung Haji reminds Malaysians to uphold reputation as 'best pilgrims' KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian haj pilgrims are reminded not to wear any paraphernalia professing support for Palestine while in Saudi Arabia and respect the laws of the land, says Tabung Haji. They were also told to uphold Malaysia's reputation as 'the best pilgrims in the world' by not participating in any demonstrations or protests while performing their pilgrimage. Tabung Haji's Department of Haj chief Hisham Harun said he hoped Malaysian pilgrims will only focus on their pilgrimage and not get distracted with other issues. The first batch of 31,600 Malaysian pilgrims will depart from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on April 29. 'Protests have always been illegal in the holy lands of Mecca and Medina. Malaysian pilgrims must stay away from being a part of any protesting crowds, as this would be breaking Saudi Arabian laws. 'We have always advised the pilgrims through courses and our information channels to ensure that they follow the orders of the local authorities. 'Although we are supporters of Palestine, during the pilgrimage, it is best not to exhibit any emblems or paraphernalia championing Palestine or any other issues as this is prohibited during the haj. 'Do not even carry them in your luggage. Just concentrate on the pilgrimage,' he said. He also cautioned Malaysians from going for the haj using other visas. 'On the visas, it is hoped that Malaysian pilgrims only use the haj visa,' Hisham said yesterday. He explained that the folly of some could jeopardise the haj quota for Malaysia in the future. 'Saudi Arabia is very serious about issues of non-registered pilgrims and those who do not abide by their laws. 'The Saudi Arabian authorities have also commended Malaysia for having the most disciplined pilgrims. It is also partly due to Tabung Haji's comprehensive courses which train pilgrims in advance.' He also said this time around, haj pilgrims need not carry any health records or guide books as everything has been put into apps. 'The pilgrims only need a smartphone, we have guided all of them on how to access the information using the various apps. From this year onwards, the pilgrims need not carry the yellow book for health records as everything will be at their fingertips. 'Though some of the pilgrims are senior citizens, the apps are easy enough for them to access. On the part of the Tabung Haji team, they are also using different digital methods to monitor and track the pilgrims to ensure they are well catered for. 'The pilgrims too can provide real time feedback on the services of Tabung Haji so that we can upgrade our services. Before this, we have to wait for them to return from their pilgrimage before getting any feedback on the services provided by Tabung Haji,' said Hisham. The Malaysian pilgrims will be flown to Saudi Arabia in 100 batches beginning April 29, joining about 1.8 million Muslims from all over the world expected to converge in Mecca this year for the haj.
