Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia has marked a milestone by becoming the first country in the world granted approval by the Saudi Arabian government to distribute Nusuk cards to hajj pilgrims domestically, before their departure to the Holy Land. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar announced this significant development, emphasizing it as a recognition of Malaysia’s efficient hajj management system.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Mohd Na’im stated that while the Nusuk cards were previously handed out in Makkah before the Wukuf ritual, they will now be distributed earlier to facilitate the pilgrims’ movement. He expressed that if Malaysia succeeds in managing the domestic distribution, the initiative could be extended to other Muslim countries. He attributed this achievement to the close cooperation between Tabung Haji (TH) and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

The Nusuk card, introduced by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, serves as the official identification for all pilgrims worldwide. Dr Mohd Na’im conveyed appreciation to the Saudi government for its efficiency in issuing visas and enhancing the Nusuk card system. He expressed hope that this achievement would motivate TH to continue providing excellent services to Malaysian pilgrims.

Meanwhile, Dr Mohd Na’im noted that the visa issuance process for Malaysian pilgrims for this year’s hajj season has reached 45 percent. He assured that TH is fully prepared for this year’s hajj operations, with readiness at nearly 100 percent. This year, TH is deploying 632 hajj personnel, including welfare and medical staff, as well as external agencies involved.