[PHOTOS] Haj: first batch of 284 pilgrims departs today
Group boards flight from KLIA at about 2.05am this morning
Updated 3 years ago · Published on 21 May 2023 9:30AM
Haj pilgrims at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport wave to their loved ones as they head to board their flight to Medina last night before departing at about 2.05am this morning. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, May 21, 2023
by Azim Rahman
SEPANG – The bustling Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) was filled with excitement, anticipation, but also reverence as the first group of 284 haj pilgrims checked in to embark on their journey to the holy land late last night.
The pilgrims boarded Malaysia Airlines flight MH8056, which was scheduled to depart from KLIA at 2.05am this morning and arrive at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Medina at about 5.50am local time.
This departure ceremony was attended by Tabung Haji (TH) group managing director and chief executive officer Syed Hamadah Syed Othman and TH haj executive director and head of the Malaysian haj group Datuk Seri Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman.
Over 31,600 pilgrims, hitting Malaysia’s official quota, will partake in this sacred Islamic duty.
The Vibes photographer, AZIM RAHMAN, was present at KLIA last night to capture touching moments and processes pilgrims go through. – The Vibes, May 21, 2023
Airport personnel attend to haj pilgrims going through airport security checks before heading to their boarding gate. The first batch of haj pilgrims this year sees 284 travellers depart from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport this morning. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, May 21, 2023Men and women from the the first batch of haj pilgrims this year queue at the boarding gate with their group before taking off for a long flight. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, May 21, 2023Personnel from the Makkah Route initiative assist a Malaysian elderly traveller at the airport last night. The Makkah Route is an initiative under the Saudi government to ease the process of haj pilgrimage. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, May 21, 2023Haj pilgrims go through immigration checks at KLIA instead of the usual process of having it checked at their destination. This is made possible with the Makkah Route initiative. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, May 21, 2023As the fifth pillar of Islam, Muslims from all over the world will go on a pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina in the Islamic month of Zulhijjah as a show of devotion to Allah. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, May 21, 2023Haj pilgrims rest their eyes with a quick nap before boarding their 2.05am flight to Medina and beginning a long and spiritual journey. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, May 21, 2023A traveller going through bag checks at KLIA before his flight to Medina. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, May 21, 2023This year, over 36,100 Malaysian pilgrims will participate in haj, reaching our official quota. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, May 21, 2023A haj pilgrim holds his passport and travel documents tightly, anticipating the start to his haj experience beginning the in the city of Medina. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, May 21, 2023
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