Malaysia wants Saudi govt to inform in advance of this year’s haj cost

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 9 (NNN-Bernama) — Malaysia has requested Saudi Arabia to inform in advance of this year’s haj pilgrimage cost to ensure good management of Malaysian pilgrims.

In a Facebook post Monday, the Malaysian pilgrimage management and fund board, TH, said the matter was discussed by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar and the TH management during a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah.

Mohd Na’im and his delegation are currently on a working visit to Saudi Arabia to discuss matters pertaining to the haj pilgrimage for the 1444 Hijrah/2023 season.

Also discussed in the meeting were the original quota of Malaysian pilgrims which had been reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Makkah Route programme.

The Makkah Route programme facilitates the entry of Malaysian pilgrims into Saudi Arabia as they are not required to go through the immigration and customs processes.

During the meeting, Dr Tawfiq commended TH for its best and systematic handling of Malaysian haj pilgrims.

The Malaysian delegation also expressed its gratitude to the Saudi Arabian government for the good services and facilities provided to haj pilgrims from other countries.