Final Batch Of Haj Pilgrims Arrives Home Safely

SEPANG, July 1 (Bernama) -- A total of 258 Malaysian haj pilgrims, forming the final batch, safely arrived home today, completing the entire 1447H/2026M haj season operations which proceeded smoothly and excellently despite challenges arising from the conflict in West Asia.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the group arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 12.10 pm via a Malaysia Airlines flight (MH 8385), which departed Madinah at 10.14 pm (Saudi Arabian time) on Tuesday.

"Alhamdulillah, today officially marks the end of the haj operations for the 1447 Hijrah season. We express our utmost gratitude as all our haj pilgrims have safely departed and returned in good health," he told reporters after welcoming the final flight here today.

Also present were Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Marhamah Rosli and Tabung Haji (TH) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain.

Zulkifli said the success of Malaysia’s haj operations this season also received international recognition, with the country being awarded the Labbaikum Diamond Award, the highest accolade from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Haj and Umrah for the world’s best haj management and services.

He expressed his appreciation to all haj personnel, including those from TH, the Health Ministry, airlines, the Immigration Department of Malaysia, other government agencies and logistics service providers who ensured the smooth running of this year's operations.

He also attributed the discipline and commitment of Malaysian pilgrims as a major factor in the success of the country's operations, noting it was the result of intensive courses and preparation conducted by TH prior to their departure to the Holy Land.

Regarding preparations for the next haj season, he said TH has already commenced post-mortem processes and evaluations to review areas for improvement.

"Among the enhancements implemented during this year's haj season were more intensive haj courses, the use of the MyNIISe system to ease visa management, the provision of sofa beds and better tents in the Holy Land, 24-hour bus services from mosques to accommodations, and the deployment of TH’s Semut Hitam (Black Ants) team to assist pilgrims," he said.

He added that the National Haj Muzakarah (conference) is scheduled to be held this August to deliberate on arising issues and proposed improvements for the future management of the country's haj operations.

-- BERNAMA