Welcome home: Haj pilgrims arriving at the KLIA from Saudi Arabia. — Bernama
Full quota of 31,600 pilgrims went to Saudi Arabia
SEPANG: This year’s haj operation, which involved the full quota of 31,600 Malaysian pilgrims for the first time in four years, was said to have gone smoothly despite facing several challenges.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said among the challenges faced were the scorching weather and the massive crowd of almost two million people performing the haj pilgrimage in the Holy Land.
“Alhamdulillah, the Malaysian pilgrims were recognised as having good discipline, attitude and knowledge.
“The Saudi government has once again named Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) the recipient of the Labaittom Award for the Best Service category for a Haj Affairs Office, which I received from Saudi Arabia’s Haj and Umrah Minister Dr Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah,” he told reporters after welcoming the return of 350 pilgrims at Kuala Lumpur International Airport here on Saturday.
The group arrived at 9.55pm via Saudia Airlines flight SV5610, which departed from Jeddah at 8am (Saudi Arabia time), Bernama reported.
Mohd Na’im said 70 patients were still being treated at the TH Treatment Centre in Mecca and the Saudi Hospital, while nine pilgrims died in the Holy Land.
“The senior management of TH and I would like to offer our condolences to the families of the deceased,” he added.
He further said that TH would hold meetings with various ministries and agencies in Saudi Arabia to re-evaluate the level of services and facilities provided during this year’s haj season.
“This is very important in our efforts to improve every weakness and to enhance the services and improve on steps taken to ensure the welfare of haj pilgrims in the future,” added Mohd Na’im.
He said one the issues to be discussed was the facilities in Mina, adding that feedback received from pilgrims would also be brought to the table for discussion.
TH chairman Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar said the board had implemented more than 25 initiatives this year, including a health education programme through the Ziarah Rahmah programme, TH Treatment Centre in Madinah and ATM services at the accommodation facilities of Malaysian pilgrims in the Holy Land.
A total of 98 flights, comprising Saudia and Amal by Malaysia Airlines, will bring back all Malaysian pilgrims and haj personnel in stages.
The last flight back to Malaysia is expected to leave the Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Madinah on July 31.
