24-04-2025
Malaysia first nation authorised to distribute nusuk cards for haj
Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Setia Mohd Na'im Haji Mokhtar. —SAMUEL ONG/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has marked another milestone by becoming the first country in the world to be granted approval by the Saudi Arabian government to distribute nusuk cards to haj pilgrims domestically before their departure to the Holy Land.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar (pic) said the approval is a recognition of Malaysia's efficient haj management system.
The nusuk card, introduced by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, serves as the official identification for all pilgrims worldwide.
'Last year, the nusuk cards were handed out in Mecca before the wukuf ritual but this year, they will be distributed earlier to ease the pilgrims' movement.
'If we succeed in managing the domestic distribution of the nusuk cards, the initiative will be extended to other Muslim countries.
'This is a significant recognition from the Saudi government, made possible through the close and strategic cooperation between Tabung Haji (TH) and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah,' he told reporters after visiting the Haj Visa Processing Unit to observe preparations for the 1446H/2025 pilgrimage season.
Also present were TH chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain and chief executive officer Datuk Syed Hamadah Syed Othman.
Mohd Na'im also extended appreciation to the Saudi government for its efficiency in issuing visas and improving the nusuk card system.
'This achievement will serve as a catalyst for TH to continue providing the best services to Malaysian pilgrims,' he said, Bernama reported.
Meanwhile, he said the visa issuance process for Malaysian pilgrims for this year's haj season has reached 45%.
'TH is also fully prepared for this year's hajj operations, with readiness at nearly 100%. This year, TH is deploying 632 haj personnel comprising welfare staff, medical staff and external agencies involved,' he added.
