Latest news with #Na'im
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysians without permits advised not to attempt haj
MAKKAH: With just days to go before wukuf, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, has advised Malaysians without authorisation from Saudi authorities not to risk performing the pilgrimage illegally. Apart from the risk of facing stern legal action, he said there were also serious concerns over pilgrims' health if they attempt the haj through unauthorised means. He said this was among the matters raised during a meeting between religious affairs ministers and Saudi Arabia's Minister of Haj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, earlier today. "I urge Malaysian pilgrims without permits not to remain in the Holy Land to perform the haj illegally. The Saudi government has clearly stated it will strictly enforce regulations this year to ensure the safety of pilgrims worldwide. "That's why we're seeing less congestion this year compared to previous years. We hope with these efforts, there will be no casualties, or at least a significant reduction compared to last year," he said. He was speaking after attending the Grand Hajj Symposium here today. Na'im also shared the latest update revealed during the symposium: pilgrims will no longer be allowed to walk on foot from Makkah to Arafah. Instead, they must travel via transportation provided by the authorities. He said the Saudi government would be enhancing the transport system, taking into account the extreme heat. "Some pilgrims may feel they're physically capable of walking long distances, but that will not be allowed this year. "Last year, many suffered heatstroke from walking long distances under the scorching sun, and some even died on the spot. "This year, Saudi Arabia is placing great emphasis on pilgrim safety," he added. Touching on his meeting with Dr Tawfiq, Na'im said it was also confirmed that pilgrims will not be allowed to leave their designated areas between 10am and 4pm during the peak period in Arafah. In addition, visits to popular sites among Malaysian pilgrims, namely Masjid Namirah and Jabal Rahmah, will be restricted during those hours.
The Star
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Govt firmly opposes normalising LGBTQ+ culture, says Na'im
KUALA LUMPUR: The government rejects all attempts to normalise lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ+) culture, whether implicitly or openly, says Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar (pic) . The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) said that as a country which upheld Islam as the religion of the federation and adheres to noble eastern cultural values, any attempt to normalise such deviant lifestyles is contrary to the Federal Constitution, existing laws and official government policy. "I view seriously the reports regarding the organisation of a programme themed 'Pride Care: Queer Stories & Sexual Health Awareness', which was allegedly aimed at celebrating Pride Month, as circulated on social media recently. "The organisation of such programmes, even if held behind closed doors, clearly challenges societal norms and religious values upheld by the majority of Malaysians,' he said in a statement on Wednesday (May 28) night. In this regard, Na'im urged the authorities, including the Royal Malaysia Police, to immediately investigate the programme and take appropriate action should there be any breach of the law. He further called on the organisers to immediately cease all activities that contravene the law and moral values of society. "Religious agencies, including the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) and the state Islamic departments, are also urged to be ready to play their enforcement role, particularly if Muslims are involved,' he said. At the same time, Mohd Na'im called on all parties to work together to safeguard the social and moral fabric of the nation from any elements that may harm the faith, morality, and harmony. "The Madani government will continue to uphold the principles of 'maqasid syariah' in national governance to preserve religion, morality, and dignity,' he said, while stressing that a deviant culture will never become the norm in Malaysia.- Bernama
New Straits Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Lada launches Langkawi tourism promotional video with spiritual touch
LANGKAWI: A new promotional video titled "Tadabbur Alam Langkawi", which integrates Islamic spiritual elements into tourism, has been launched as part of fresh efforts to attract more visitors to the island. The four-minute video, produced by the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) in collaboration with the Malaysian Islamic Training Institute (Ilim) and the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) was officially launched today. It was launched by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar at the Lada Complex Auditorium. Na'im said government and private agencies could no longer rely solely on conventional marketing such as brochures or print media, and needed to adopt more engaging approaches. "The video produced by Lada, Ilim and Jakim highlights five natural elements, the eagle, Lake Dayang Bunting, mangrove forests, limestone and fossils, as well as Gunung Machinchang. "It was initially produced in Bahasa Malaysia and will later be made available in other languages to reach a global audience," he told reporters later. He added that the video combines geological facts, heritage and culture with Quranic verses and reflective messages to provide young audiences with deeper understanding and appreciation. Also present were Lada chief executive officer Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid, Langkawi District Officer Mohamad Subhi Abdullah, Ilim senior director Nor Safina Zainal and Kedah Islamic Affairs Department director Datuk Abd Ghani Zainudin.
Daily Express
26-04-2025
- Climate
- Daily Express
RM46,500 given to the needy in Sabah: Yapeim
Published on: Saturday, April 26, 2025 Published on: Sat, Apr 26, 2025 Text Size: Dr Na'im (third from left) presenting a mock cheque of RM5,000 to a representative. PUTATAN: The Malaysian Islamic Economic Development Foundation (Yapeim) distributed RM46,500 to underprivileged groups in Sabah. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Senator Datuk Dr Na'im Mokhtar, said this was part of Yapeim's efforts to fulfil its responsibility in assisting communities tested by Allah SWT through financial hardships. 'This is a responsibility carried out by not only Yapeim, but also most of the agencies under the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs),' he said. 'The Aidilfitri Madani Yapeim programme in Sabah is the first to be organised, with eight more selected locations across the country that Yapeim will reach out to through this programme in the near future,' he said. On the Haji, he said part of the preparations by Tabung Haji (TH) Sabah includes informing the pilgrims to equip themselves with knowledge through the Kursus Perdana Haji. 'We hope with the knowledge gained, they will be able to perform the Haj as Malaysian pilgrims are well-known and skilled in carrying out the rituals of Haj. 'This includes physical preparations as well. It is true that during every Haj season, the weather in the Holy Land is extremely hot. Even here, when the temperature reaches between 30 and 50 degrees Celsius, we already feel the heat — let alone there, where it can reach nearly 50 degrees Celsius. It is indeed very, very hot.' 'Therefore, my advice is to prepare themselves not only physically but also emotionally when facing the extreme heat. 'In addition to drinking plenty of water, follow the rules set by Tabung Haji (TH), maintain the country's image, uphold discipline, show respect and help one another.' At the event, he presented cash assistance of RM200 under the Sinar Kasih programme to 50 families, totalling RM10,000, an Economic Development Programme to five associations (RM5,000), donations for infrastructure, mosques and students (RM15,000), as well as expenses for organising the event and community contributions (RM16,500). Previously, Yapeim allocated a sum of RM1.2 million for the Yapeim Madani Ramadan programme at over 25 locations nationwide, benefiting 7,700 students in need. For Sabah, until February 2025, Yapeim has assisted a total of 40,544 pledgees with financing amounting to RM512.5 million, involving collateral worth RM770.8 million, through 11 operating Ar Rahnu Yapeim branches. For the record, as of December 2024, Yapeim has distributed a total of RM725 million to 14 million beneficiaries nationwide since 1985. This involves three core areas of Yapeim: economic development/entrepreneurship, educational assistance, and community aid. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
25-04-2025
- New Straits Times
TH receives 85,000 appeals from depositors for 2025 haj season
ALOR STAR: Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) has received 85,000 appeals from its depositors to perform the haj pilgrimage this year, almost triple the 31,600 quota approved by Saudi Arabia for Malaysia for the 1446H/2025 haj season. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar expressed hope that Saudi Arabia would consider Malaysia's request for an additional 10,000 places. "We submitted the official request to the Saudi Arabian government last month. "Last night, I sent a text message to my counterpart, Saudi Arabia's Haj and Umrah Minister Dr Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah, to check on the status of our appeal. "I believe the Saudi Arabian government will give due consideration to our request," he told reporters after presenting food baskets to 100 underprivileged families in Kuala Sungai. The programme was organised by the Kedah chapter of the Malaysian Youth Council, in cooperation with Yayasan Taqwa under the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP). On Monday, TH's chief executive officer and managing director Datuk Syed Hamadah Syed Othman said the board had submitted the request for an additional 10,000 haj quota to Saudi Arabia through the government. He was reported as saying that the first flight to the Holy Land is scheduled for April 29, with the final departure on May 30. Meanwhile, Na'im said that those who had filed appeals would be considered if depositors who had been offered places to perform the pilgrimage this year were unable to proceed due to various reasons, such as health issues. During his working visit to Kedah today, Na'im also said he would be handing over two houses to underprivileged families in Baling under Yayasan Taqwa's Bait Al-Falah project, followed by the presentation of aid to 110 recipients in the district.
