KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is committed to complying with the new health requirements for the 1447H/2026M haj season as announced by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Haj and Umrah recently.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said the health guidelines were aimed at ensuring the safety, smooth execution, and perfection of worship of the dhuyufurrahman (guests of Allah).
He stated that the haj pilgrimage is not just the fifth pillar of Islam, but also a test of one’s capability (istito’ah), which includes physical and mental health capabilities.
“Without a healthy body, performing a perfect Haj is difficult to achieve,” he said in a post on his Facebook today.
The Pilgrims Fund Board (TH) and the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) are currently strengthening the mandatory health screening system to ensure that only genuinely fit pilgrims are allowed to travel to perform the pilgrimage.
Those who do not meet the minimum health requirements are recommended by TH to postpone the haj pilgrimage.
Mohd Na’im clarified that this measure is not a restriction, but rather an opportunity to improve health and be fully prepared.
TH will also ensure that every pilgrim accommodation in Makkah and Madinah is equipped with a health clinic, pharmacy, and certified medical officers.
Serious cases will be referred to Saudi Arabian hospitals with close monitoring by MOH experts.
Mohd Na’im said the Saudi Arabian government, through its Ministry of Health, has also taken proactive steps by providing modern public and private sector hospital facilities with the latest technology.
Additional health personnel for haj operations, as well as health services in key areas of haj worship, have been arranged by the Saudi authorities.
He expressed confidence that with the deployment of 225 MOH medical personnel in the Holy Land, the quality of health services for Malaysian pilgrims will continue to be at the best level.
The government, through the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), together with TH and the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Haj and Umrah, will continue to work together to ensure the welfare, safety and comfort of Malaysian pilgrims. – Bernama