Selangor Sultan Advises Haj Pilgrims To Spend Prudently Amid Global Economic Uncertainty

SHAH ALAM, April 12 (Bernama) -- The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has called on prospective haj pilgrims to spend prudently in the Holy Land, amid ongoing global economic uncertainty.

His Royal Highness urged the pilgrims to focus on their worship and remain patient in facing any trials, difficulties and challenges they may encounter.

“I would like to remind pilgrims of the need to take care of their health, avoid wastefulness, control their spending and practise thrift, especially in light of the current global economic volatility.

“Focus on fulfilling the obligatory acts of worship, and reduce shopping and spending while in the Holy Land,” said His Royal Highness at the opening ceremony of the Selangor State-Level Premier Haj Course for the 2026 pilgrimage season held here today.

The event, attended by more than 5,900 participants, took place at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque.

Meanwhile, Sultan Sharafuddin also advised prospective pilgrims to make full use of the facilities provided by Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) to ensure a smooth haj pilgrimage.

His Royal Highness also reminded prospective pilgrims not to use unknown or unverified agencies, as this could expose them to fraud and deception.

In addition, Sultan Saharafuddin urged prospective pilgrims to maintain discipline while in the Holy Land and to uphold the good name of Selangor and Malaysia by complying with the regulations set by the Saudi Arabian government.

“Prospective pilgrims are also advised to avoid getting involved in any form of protest or demonstration,” said the Ruler.

Earlier, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan, who was also present at the event, reminded prospective pilgrims to remain vigilant and comply with all instructions set by TH following geopolitical developments in the West Asian region.

“The Malaysian government and TH will continue to monitor the current situation and work closely with the Saudi authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of Malaysian pilgrims are always safeguarded,” he said.

Meanwhile, on the Premier Haj Course, Zulkifli said that it is being held in stages nationwide from April 3 and not only focuses on worship but also emphasises discipline, time management and compliance with regulations throughout the stay in the Holy Land.

For this year, more than 8,000 prospective pilgrims from Selangor are expected to perform haj in stages from April 18 to May 20, while return flights from the Holy Land are scheduled between June 4 and 30.

A total of 100 chartered flights have been arranged to transport 31,600 Malaysian pilgrims to the Holy Land this year.

-- BERNAMA