KUALA LUMPUR – Putrajaya is committed to finalise its risk assessment and standard operating procedures for umrah journeys by mid-February this year.
The Health Ministry and Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry held discussions today with the Umrah Travel Agency Association to obtain feedback concerning the umrah industry.
The discussions involved Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
“Among the issues raised by industry players are the SOPs to allow umrah travels, refunds and rescheduling, insurance coverage, and the timeline in which umrah travels will be allowed again,” Khairy and Nancy said in a joint statement later.
Both ministers stated their commitment to finalise all recommendations at the ministerial level before presenting them to the next Covid-19 Ministers Quartet Meeting.
On the expected timeline for the resumption of umrah travels, both ministers said they would finalise the risk assessment and SOPs required by the middle of next month.
On January 1, Putrajaya suspended umrah trips to Saudi Arabia beginning January 8.
Khairy said the decision was made due to the rising Covid-19 cases, especially those involving the Omicron variant.
Meanwhile, pilgrims returning to Malaysia from January 3 onwards will be subjected to mandatory quarantine at hotels or quarantine stations. – The Vibes, January 19, 2021
