Over 22,800 Malaysian pilgrims have arrived in Mecca and Madina to participate in the annual Haj pilgrimage, according to Senator Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs).
These pilgrims are among the 31,600 Malaysians who will undertake the fifth pillar of Islam this year. Since May 9, a total of 100 special chartered flights have transported them directly to the Holy Land. The announcement was made during a ceremony at the Kota Kinabalu International Convention Centre, held to bid farewell to Haj pilgrims from Sabah.
The event was attended by Sabah's Yang Dipertua Negeri, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, and his wife, Toh Puan Norlidah R.M. Jasni, who were present to see off the first group of 134 pilgrims from the state, which is contributing a total of 940 pilgrims this year.
The ceremony also saw the presence of several prominent state officials, including Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, and the state Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister, Datuk Mohd Ariffin Mohd Arif. Their participation underscored the significance of this religious journey for the people of Sabah and Malaysia as a whole.
Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar emphasized the importance of the Haj pilgrimage in the spiritual lives of Muslims and expressed his gratitude for the smooth and efficient arrangements that have enabled such a large number of Malaysian pilgrims to embark on this sacred journey. He highlighted the comprehensive efforts made by various agencies to facilitate the pilgrims' travel and ensure their well-being throughout the pilgrimage.
The Haj pilgrimage, one of the largest annual religious gatherings in the world, is a deeply significant event for Muslims. It represents a time of intense spiritual reflection, devotion, and unity among Muslims from diverse backgrounds. For many Malaysian pilgrims, this journey is the culmination of years of preparation and anticipation.
The smooth coordination and execution of the travel arrangements reflect the commitment of the Malaysian government to support its citizens in fulfilling their religious obligations. This year’s pilgrimage is particularly notable due to the high number of participants and the logistical challenges involved in transporting such a large group of people to the Holy Land.
Overall, the send-off ceremony in Sabah was a poignant reminder of the unity and dedication of the Malaysian Muslim community as they embark on this important religious journey.
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