KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia today said that a total of 14,306 pilgrims will be allowed to perform the haj this year, about half of the previous annual quota approved by Saudi Arabia.
This will be the first time in two years that the haj will be open to international pilgrims. Saudi Arabia had previously suspended international access to Mecca as part of its measures to clamp down on the spread of Covid-19.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Idris Ahmad said Saudi Arabia has set a cap of 1 million pilgrims performing the haj this year.
“To qualify this year, pilgrims must be aged below 65 years, have no chronic diseases, have Covid-19 vaccination certificates, and present a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours before departure,” he said in a televised address.
During the last haj in 2019, Malaysia was given a quota of 31,600 pilgrims.
Idris said Tabung Haji, which manages savings for Muslims intending to perform the haj, will issue offer letters to successful pilgrims soon.
“Selected pilgrims are asked to perform medical checks and respond to their offer letters at the soonest opportunity. Pilgrims are also advised to prepare the relevant documentation particularly their passports,” he said. – The Vibes, April 21, 2022
