KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia will be given the advantage of holding early discussions with Saudi Arabia on the haj and umrah quota for next year, said Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.
The foreign minister, in a statement today, said this is among several deals struck between the Muslim nations following an agreement to set up a high-level strategic committee that will see them cooperating on post-pandemic efforts.
The panel will allow both countries to discuss the standard operating procedures for the haj and umrah should the pilgrimages be allowed before a Covid-19 vaccine is made available.
“As Saudi Arabia is expected to relax its international border restrictions beginning January 1, 2021, this decision implies that the haj and umrah may be permitted for international pilgrims, with a predetermined set of SOPs in place,” said Hishammuddin.
“However, while there has been no final decision by the Saudi Arabian government regarding the haj and umrah, and the method to perform them, both countries agreed that early discussions and planning are crucial so that we are prepared once a decision is made.”
Saudi Arabia in July announced that it would only permit about 10,000 Muslims living in the kingdom to perform the annual haj pilgrimage, which usually brings some 2.5 million faithful from around the world to Islam’s holiest site, Mecca.
Hishammuddin said the high-level committee will see Malaysia and Saudi Arabia working closely to ensure economic recovery post-Covid-19.
The countries have also agreed to cooperate in efforts to bolster food security and revive disrupted supply chains between them.
“This is crucial since Covid-19 has not only negatively impacted the health and safety of our people, but it has also disrupted our economy, food security and supply chains, in addition to social services,” said Hishammuddin.
The panel will be jointly chaired by the foreign minister and his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal Farhan.
Saudi Arabia is currently the largest contributor of coronavirus relief to Malaysia, with more than seven million units of medical equipment contributed so far. – The Vibes, October 18, 2020
