RIYADH – A request for a bigger haj quota is expected to be among important matters to be raised by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at his audience taking place now with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman here today.
The increase in Malaysia’s population has prompted the government to make the request.
According to Tabung Haji’s website, the Saudi Arabian government has set the haj quota for every country at 0.1% of the total population.
Apart from the haj quota, Muhyiddin is likely to also raise matters on umrah as well at the meeting with the crown prince, who is also deputy prime minister and defence minister, on the final day of his four-day official visit to this kingdom.
Putrajaya is seeking approval and permission for Malaysian pilgrims to perform the umrah at the soonest possible opportunity.
The strengthening of bilateral ties is also expected to be discussed during the audience.
In this respect, a Saudi-Malaysian Coordination Council is expected to be established.
It will serve as an overarching bilateral platform for regular consultation between both countries in multidisciplinary sector cooperation.
On the promotion of Malaysian palm oil in Saudi Arabia, Muhyiddin is exploring the possibility of opening a Malaysian Palm Oil Council office in the country.
Trade and investment are also expected to be discussed, including potential collaboration in the halal industry.
The prime minister, who arrived in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, landed in Mecca first to perform the umrah and was given the opportunity to enter the Kaabah.
Muhyiddin then flew to Medina on Sunday to visit the tomb of Prophet Muhammad and the Nabawi Mosque.
He arrived in this capital yesterday and was greeted by the crown prince himself.
The official visit, at the invitation of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, is being carried out under strict Covid-19 preventative standard operating procedures. – Bernama, March 9, 2021
