Latest news with #SaudiMinistryofHajandUmrah
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Malaysia's 2025 haj operations praised as best by Saudi government
SEPANG: The 2025 haj operations in Malaysia have been recognised as among the best globally, receiving high praise from the Saudi Arabian government. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar highlighted this achievement, noting that Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) was awarded the prestigious Labaytum Diamond Award by the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah. 'This year's haj season is special as we received the Diamond Award, the highest recognition for TH, showcasing our excellent haj management,' said Mohd Na'im. He attributed this success to strong teamwork among TH staff and leadership, ensuring smooth operations for pilgrims. The minister shared these remarks after welcoming 264 returning pilgrims at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1. Also present were TH chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain and head of the Malaysian Haj Delegation, Mohd Hisham Harun. Mohd Na'im also provided updates on this year's haj season, revealing that 22 Malaysian pilgrims passed away in the Holy Land, a decrease from 28 deaths in the previous year. Most fatalities were due to heart-related conditions, with two suspected lung infection cases. He commended Malaysian pilgrims for their discipline in following TH and Saudi regulations. Additionally, he thanked media organisations for their thorough coverage, which helped showcase TH's dedication to ensuring a safe and smooth haj experience. The 2025 haj operations will officially conclude tomorrow with the arrival of the final group of 232 pilgrims at 12.10 pm. - Bernama
New Straits Times
10-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Malaysia's 2025 haj operations recognised as world's best by Saudi govt
SEPANG: The management of the 2025 haj operations is among the best and has received praise and recognition from the Saudi Arabian government, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. He said for this year's haj operation, Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) was awarded the highest Labaytum Diamond Award for the world's best haj pilgrim management by the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah. "For the 2025 haj season, it is quite special, as we received the Diamond Award - the highest recognition given to TH - reflecting the excellent management of haj operations," he said. "It was demonstrated by everyone involved, especially from the top management to TH staff. Teamwork is one of the key factors contributing to the smooth and effective management of haj operations," he said. Mohd Na'im said this to reporters after welcoming the arrival of 264 pilgrims at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 today. Also present were TH chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain and head of the Malaysian Haj Delegation, Mohd Hisham Harun. Mohd Na'im also shared that during this year's haj season, 22 Malaysian pilgrims passed away in the Holy Land, compared with 28 deaths recorded last year. "Most of the pilgrims, 20 of them, who passed away were due to heart-related conditions, while the remaining two were believed to have died from lung infections," he said. He also praised Malaysian pilgrims for their discipline and for consistently complying with the regulations set by Tabung Haji (TH) and the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah. In addition, he expressed his appreciation to all media organisations for their comprehensive coverage of this year's haj operations. "The media reports not only strengthen TH's image but also allow the public to witness the hard work and dedication of TH staff in ensuring that pilgrims can perform their haj smoothly, without worrying about safety or health," he said. He added that the 2025 haj operations would officially conclude with the arrival of the final group of 232 pilgrims, at 12.10pm today. - BERNAMA
The Star
09-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Tenth Malaysian dies during current haj season in Holy Land
Mecca: Another Malaysian Haj pilgrim has died in Mecca, bringing the total number of Malaysian deaths during the 1446H/2025M Haj season to ten. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, said the deceased, Abdul Malik Sudin, 62, died of a heart attack at King Abdullah Hospital. He was a pilgrim from Maktab 90A and had been staying at the Rehab Al-Janadriyah building. He had completed the wukuf ritual in Arafah last Thursday (June 5). Speaking to reporters after attending the 1446H Haj Season Closing Ceremony organised by the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah last night, Mohd Na'im said the Pilgrims Fund Board has contacted the family and will manage all funeral arrangements and related welfare matters. On behalf of Tabung haji's senior management, Mohd Na'im extended condolences to the family and prayed that the deceased is granted Allah's mercy and that his good deeds are accepted. To date, nine Malaysian pilgrims have died of heart attacks, while one succumbed to a bacterial infection and organ failure. - Bernama
The Star
01-06-2025
- The Star
Saudi imposes ban on pilgrims walking from Mecca to Arafah due to extreme heat
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has imposed a ban on pilgrims walking from Mecca to Arafah or have prolonged exposed to the sun during the "masyair" phase (June 5-9) as dangerously high temperatures are forecast. The directive was issued by the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah to avoid heatstroke or even deaths among pilgrims. Pilgrims have also been advised against visiting popular religious sites such as Namirah Mosque and Jabal Rahmah between 10am and 4pm, typically the hottest hours of the day. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said as an alternative, the Saudi government would enhance the transport system to ensure safe and smooth movement between key pilgrimage sites. He was speaking to the Malaysian media after a meeting with Saudi Haj and Umrah Minister Dr Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah, at the Grand Haj Symposium here on Sunday (June 1). The masyair phase is considered the peak phase of the haj. It involves the movement of millions of pilgrims over five days from Makkah to Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina, from the 8th to the 12th of Zulhijjah (June 5-8). Mohd Na'im said the new restrictions were designed to safeguard pilgrims' well-being, especially during the crucial "wukuf" ritual at Arafah, when pilgrims gather outdoors in prayer and reflection. Saudi officials have urged haj authorities across the Muslim world to remind pilgrims to limit their exposure to direct sunlight during this period. Officials have also reinforced regulations on the mandatory use of the Nusuk card, which functions as both an identity verification tool and a security pass. Entry to Masjidil Haram, Arafah, Muzdalifah or Mina will be strictly limited to cardholders. "So far, no Malaysian pilgrims has been found in the Holy Land without valid permits," said Mohd Na'im. He added that those found attempting to perform the haj without official approval would face firm action from Saudi authorities.
The Sun
29-04-2025
- The Sun
Nusuk card now equipped with QR code to prevent forgery - Mohd Na'im
SEPANG: The enhanced Nusuk Card is now equipped with a quick response (QR) code to prevent forgery of the official identification card for haj pilgrims, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. He said the card now has several layers of security features to ensure the safety of its holders. 'This means that any attempt to duplicate it would be difficult as it comes with multiple enhanced security layers introduced by the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah,' he told reporters after attending the Send-off Ceremony for Malaysian Haj Pilgrims for the 1446H/2025M Haj Season here today. Also present was Lembaga Tabung Haji chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain. Mohd Na'im said the Nusuk Card, introduced three years ago as the official identification document for pilgrims, has helped ease the entry of haj pilgrims from across the globe into the Masjidil Haram in Makkah, the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, and other pilgrimage sites while performing the fifth pillar of Islam. Earlier, Mohd Na'im reminded the 284 Malaysian pilgrims who departed for the Holy Land early this morning to safeguard their Nusuk Cards at all times, as the card contains personal data, including passport and visa information, enabling easy identification of the pilgrims. 'You must take good care of the Nusuk Card since it's similar to our MyKad. Remember my advice, treat it just like you would your MyKad,' he said. On flight arrangements for the 31,600 Malaysian pilgrims for this haj season, Mohd Na'im said a total of 100 special chartered flights via AMAL by Malaysia Airlines Bhd and Saudia Airlines have been scheduled starting today, with the final flight set for June 1. 'The first group of Malaysian pilgrims is expected to arrive at the Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah at 7.50 am (Saudi time) tomorrow,' he added. Malaysia's official haj quota allocated by the Saudi Arabian government this year is 31,600 pilgrims, who will arrive in the Holy Land in stages.
