'Haji Lestari' Campaign Promotes Sustainable Haj Practices Through Ihram Clothing Recycling

From Amirul Mohd Sajadi

MAKKAH, May 22 (Bernama) -- The Haji Lestari Campaign implemented by Malaysia provides a sustainable platform for pilgrims to recycle used ihram clothing, supporting efforts to reduce textile waste after the haj season.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the initiative by Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) in collaboration with the Saudi Arabian authorities forms part of efforts to instil a culture of environmental care among haj pilgrims.

He said the campaign provides a comprehensive ecosystem enabling pilgrims to donate used ihram clothing, as well as to segregate other waste materials such as paper and plastic for recycling.

“Haj should also encompass a dimension of environmental care. Caring for the environment is a trust and responsibility shared by all humanity, and the haj pilgrimage is one of the platforms that can reflect this commitment,” he told reporters after launching the Haji Lestari Campaign here today.

He said the approach enabled ihram clothing that might previously have been thrown away or abandoned after the haj season to be given new value through recycling and upcycling.

Zulkifli said the initiative implemented by Malaysia also supports Saudi Arabia’s efforts to expand circular economy practices and environmental sustainability in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

He said Malaysia was among the first countries to provide a comprehensive support system to ensure the success of the sustainable haj agenda, including raising pilgrims’ awareness that environmental care is also part of their responsibility as Muslims.

“Malaysia is a global leader in sustainable haj, and we want to convey the message to the international community that environmental care is an essential part of the haj experience,” he said.

Zulkifli said the effort demonstrated that demonstrated that sustainable practices can be adopted even in the world’s largest gathering, making haj not only a means of spiritual purification but also a platform for promoting environmental responsibility.

--BERNAMA