Kuala lumpur: A total of 514 Malaysian prospective pilgrims have deferred their haj participation at the last minute this season due to various unavoidable circumstances. Malaysian Haj Delegation head Mohd Hisham Harun said the main reasons included health issues, deaths, accidents, and circumstances such as the 'idah' (waiting period), which prevents some pilgrims from performing the haj.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tabung Haji (TH) has taken proactive steps to fill the vacancies through the waiting list, successfully ensuring that Malaysia's haj quota remains fully utilised. Mohd Hisham Harun stated, "We try to replace those who have deferred their places as long as the system remains open, including those who have completed health screenings and are ready for departure at short notice. This effort is important to ensure that every quota allocated to Malaysia is fully utilised."

Meanwhile, he advised pilgrims to take care of important documents, including the Nusuk Card, following six reported loss cases to date. "My advice to all pilgrims is to take care of the card issued to them and, if possible, wear it around their neck at all times. If it is lost, there is no need to panic as the Nusuk application can be used as a digital alternative," he said.

Mohd Hisham further mentioned that TH would assist pilgrims in obtaining replacement cards in cooperation with the Saudi Arabian authorities, as well as through checks at Lost and Found centres. He also encouraged pilgrims to download the Nusuk application before departing for the holy land to facilitate arrangements in the event of emergencies. "Although the physical card is important, the digital version in the Nusuk application can still be used for verification purposes at checkpoints," he added.