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The Sultan of Selangor has lauded Lembaga Tabung Haji for winning the prestigious Labaytum Diamond Award for the second year running, highlighting the institution's professionalism and commitment to managing Malaysian pilgrims' haj operations.
Saudi Arabia has acknowledged Malaysia's effective haj management system this year. The award reflects the country's well-coordinated and systematic approach to organising the annual pilgrimage for its citizens.
International guests participating in Saudi Arabia's royal haj programme have completed their pilgrimage in Makkah and departed for Madinah. The 104 delegations expressed satisfaction with the kingdom's services and organisation.
Pilgrims gathered at Makkah's Grand Mosque on Saturday to perform the Farewell Tawaf, the final ritual of the Haj pilgrimage. The ceremony marked the conclusion of the 2024 Haj season as worshippers prepared to return home.
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Malaysia's Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has praised Saudi Arabia's extensive preparations for the current Haj season, which involves approximately 1.7 million pilgrims from 165 countries worldwide.
Malaysia's Cabinet ministers have called on Muslims to use the Day of Arafah as an occasion for spiritual reflection, prayer and seeking forgiveness, while drawing lessons on national unity and harmony.
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Malaysian Haj authorities are closely monitoring services for pilgrims in Arafah, focusing on accommodation, healthcare and logistics to ensure their comfort during peak rituals.
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Malaysia has launched the Haji Lestari Campaign to encourage pilgrims to recycle used ihram clothing and segregate waste materials, positioning the country as a leader in sustainable haj practices aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
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Some 31,600 Malaysian haj pilgrims started their journey to Arafah on May 25 to prepare for the wukuf ritual scheduled for the following day, with the movement completed through three coordinated shuttle bus phases.
Ten siblings from Perak are performing haj together this season, a dream made possible by their parents' foresight in setting up Tabung Haji accounts and consistently saving duit raya and monthly contributions for over two decades.
Moraton Hassan, 88, from Bukit Naning, Johor, has realised her long-postponed haj pilgrimage this season. The former rubber tapper delayed her spiritual journey for 25 years to raise and educate her five sons alone after her husband's passing.
Security forces in Makkah have apprehended four Indonesian nationals operating a digital scam peddling counterfeit Haj services. Investigators recovered forged pilgrimage cards and fraud equipment from the suspects, who now face prosecution.
Saudi Arabia's Minister of Haj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah revealed that planning for the next pilgrimage season commences before the current one concludes, involving coordinated efforts across government bodies and service providers.
Lung infections, particularly pneumonia, have become increasingly common among Malaysian haj pilgrims as the Masyair phase looms. Health officials attribute cases to extreme fatigue, dehydration, and medication non-compliance among elderly and high-risk pilgrims.
Malaysia is waiting for Saudi Arabian authorities to complete their investigation into the detention of five Malaysian nationals accused of attempting to enter Makkah illegally without proper Haj permits.
A total of 31,243 Malaysian haj pilgrims have reached the Holy Land on 99 flights, with the final airlift expected tomorrow. The 1447H/2026M season will see all 31,600 pilgrims complete their journey using 100 chartered flights.
Malaysia's Religious Affairs Minister has cautioned haj pilgrims to restrict time outdoors and stay hydrated as Saudi Arabia faces extreme heat with temperatures potentially reaching 48 degrees Celsius during the pilgrimage.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described the Haj pilgrimage as more than a spiritual journey—it is a transformative school of education that purifies the soul and renews commitment to faith, people, and nation.