Kuala lumpur: The first group of 329 Malaysian haj pilgrims arrived safely at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) here at 1.13 am, marking the start of the second phase of haj operations for the 1447H/2026M Haj Season, to welcome the return of the pilgrims to the homeland. Their arrival was welcomed by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hassan and his wife Hanani Harun, as well as Tabung Haji (TH) Customer Experience executive director Datuk Mohamed Ameen Abdul Wahab.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the first group, consisting of pilgrims from Selangor, departed from King Abdul Aziz International Airport, Jeddah at 11.31 am (Saudi Arabia time) yesterday, aboard a Saudi Airlines flight (SV5004). "The arrival of the first Haj pilgrims means that the second phase of this year's Haj has begun, which is the return phase of our Haj pilgrims. Alhamdulillah, everything went well and all our Haj pilgrims are in good condition," Dr Zulkifli Hassan told reporters after attending the First Flight Haj Pilgrim Arrival Reception Ceremony here today.
Zulkifli noted that the goals of this year's Haj operation were successfully achieved, with TH receiving the Labbaikum Diamond Award, the highest recognition from the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Haj and Umrah for the best Haj management and services in the world. "This is the highest award for Haj management starting in the country with the Haj course, (examination) of pilgrims' health, thorough preparations, flights, accommodation, logistics, food, security and the entire aspect of Haj operations have been filled in well and implemented very carefully and meticulously by TH and all stakeholders," he said.
Throughout this year's haj season, a total of 65 pilgrims experienced health problems and were undergoing treatment in hospital, while 17 Malaysian pilgrims, comprising eight women and nine men, died in the Holy Land, most of them suffering from heart attacks. Dr Zulkifli praised the good attitude and discipline shown by Malaysian pilgrims throughout their time in the Holy Land, reflecting the country's good image internationally. Malaysian pilgrims emphasised cleanliness and compliance with rules and instructions set by authorities and haj management.
He highlighted that this season saw greater achievements, with Malaysian pilgrims leading in recycling items to create useful products. Dr Zulkifli also expressed appreciation to media personnel working in the Holy Land and the homeland for their role in conveying haj operations information to the public. He noted that media coverage helped highlight the efficiency of Malaysia's haj management at the international level, showcasing Malaysia's excellent haj management system and disciplined pilgrims and staff.
A total of 100 chartered flights are being provided by AMAL via Malaysia Airlines and Saudia Airlines to bring 31,600 haj pilgrims back to the homeland starting June 3. The last flight is scheduled for July 1.