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THE government has expressed appreciation to Saudi Arabia for its continued implementation of the Makkah Route initiative, crediting the programme with substantially improving the travel experience for Malaysian pilgrims over the past eight years.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Religious Affairs Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the Saudi government had consistently enhanced services for pilgrims through initiatives such as the Nusuk card and the Makkah Route scheme.
The Nusuk card is a smart identification card issued by the Saudi Arabia authorities to pilgrims performing Hajj or Umrah.
“I would like to express my appreciation and highest gratitude to the government of Saudi Arabia for these very good initiatives and programmes.
“I believe that from time to time the quality of services continues to improve. This greatly helps us and our pilgrims are also very happy,” he told reporters.
He was speaking after a send-off ceremony for Malaysian pilgrims departing for the Hajj season 1447H/2026M at Terminal 1 of Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Zulkifli said feedback from Malaysian pilgrims had been overwhelmingly positive, noting that the programme accelerates procedures and reduces congestion upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Malaysia, Osamah Dakhel R Al-Ahmadi, said the collaboration reflected strong bilateral ties between the two countries.
“This is the eighth year of Makkah Route. It provides convenience to Malaysian pilgrims and, God willing, this service brings many benefits to them. We would also like to express our thanks for this effort,” he said.
Malaysia was the first country selected for the pilot implementation of the programme in 2017, and it has continued annually since.
Under the Makkah Route initiative, Saudi immigration officers stationed at KLIA process pilgrims’ travel documents before departure, allowing them to bypass immigration and customs checks upon arrival in Madinah or Jeddah.
The system also enables baggage to be checked through directly to pilgrims’ accommodation in Mecca and Madinah, eliminating the need for collection at Saudi airports. Baggage tagging and handling are overseen by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah beginning at KLIA.
Also present at the event were Deputy Minister Marhamah Rosli, Tabung Haji chairman Abdul Rashid Hussain and chief executive Mustakim Mohamad. - April 18, 2026
