Malaysia has expressed robust support for the strict measures and severe penalties enforced by the Saudi Arabian government on those who violate regulations regarding Haj visa matters. This stance was reaffirmed by Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), during a joint press conference with Saudi Arabia’s Minister for Haj and Umrah, Tawfiq Fawzan Muhammed Al-Rabiah.
The press conference was held in conjunction with Tawfiq’s official visit to Malaysia from August 26-28, 2024, which focused on deepening the diplomatic relationship between the two countries and exploring future cooperation.
Contents
Malaysia Supports Saudi Arabia For Pilgrim Safety
Malaysia’s endorsement of Saudi Arabia’s stringent regulations is driven by a shared goal of ensuring the safety and well-being of pilgrims during the Haj pilgrimage. Datuk Mohd Na’im emphasized that the measures implemented by Saudi Arabia are designed to create a secure and peaceful environment for all pilgrims. He reiterated the importance of these measures during the press conference, underscoring Malaysia’s commitment to educating its prospective Haj pilgrims about adhering strictly to the Saudi government’s rules.
“We remain committed to educating our pilgrims to follow the Saudi regulations,” Na’im stated, highlighting that such efforts are vital to ensuring a smooth pilgrimage experience. Malaysia has already implemented rigorous training and awareness programs for pilgrims, focusing on legal, safety, and health aspects of the pilgrimage.
He also pointed out that the Saudi measures are essential in dealing with issues such as overcrowding, safety hazards, and visa fraud, which could jeopardize the sanctity and security of the Haj experience.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The joint press conference was part of Saudi Minister Tawfiq’s three-day visit to Malaysia, aimed at bolstering the strong ties between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, particularly in religious affairs. Minister Mohd Na’im expressed optimism about expanding cooperation between the two nations, specifically focusing on enhancing the experience of pilgrims from both countries.
He acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s significant role in managing the Haj and Umrah pilgrimages and hoped for continued bilateral engagement to improve services.
“We discussed various future collaborations that could bring more ease and comfort to our pilgrims during their Haj and Umrah journeys,” he added. These discussions included exploring potential innovations in pilgrimage logistics, digital platforms for visa applications, and improving accommodation and transport for Malaysian pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah.
Combating Illegal Haj Promotion Schemes
In his remarks, Minister Tawfiq emphasized the importance of tackling illegal Haj and Umrah promotion schemes, which pose risks to both Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. He stressed the need for both governments to work together to regulate and oversee all pilgrimage planning aspects, ensuring that only official and approved platforms are used. The collaboration between the two nations has been crucial in combating unauthorized travel agencies and schemes that exploit unsuspecting pilgrims.
“I want to thank the Malaysian government for its thorough organization of pilgrim affairs and commendable training schemes for Haj pilgrims,” Tawfiq stated. He praised Malaysia’s efforts to ensure that pilgrims are well-prepared and organized, a practice that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s own goals to deliver a seamless pilgrimage experience. He also expressed appreciation for Malaysia’s commitment to the ongoing fight against illegal schemes, noting that such efforts are vital to maintaining the integrity of the pilgrimage.
Joint Task Force Initiatives
One of the highlights of Tawfiq’s visit was the announcement of a joint task force between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. This task force has two primary objectives, focusing on improving the overall pilgrimage experience:
- Extending the Makkah Road Initiative: The Saudi government is considering extending the Makkah Road Initiative to include Malaysian Umrah pilgrims. Launched in 2018, this initiative allows pilgrims to complete entry procedures at their home airports before flying to Saudi Arabia, streamlining the arrival process and enhancing the pilgrimage experience for Malaysian pilgrims.
- Tabung Haji Business Model Expansion: The task force is considering applying Malaysia’s Tabung Haji business model, known for its success in providing financial stability and efficient Haj management, to other Muslim-majority countries to manage the financial aspects of pilgrimage.
In conclusion, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia’s ongoing partnership reflects their shared commitment to ensuring a safe and fulfilling pilgrimage experience for their citizens. Through joint efforts to combat illegal schemes, enhance visa processes, and improve services for pilgrims, both countries are working toward a common goal: delivering a seamless, secure, and spiritually enriching Haj and Umrah journey.
Click the link to know more
Related posts:
I am a passionate technology and business enthusiast, constantly exploring the intersection where innovation meets entrepreneurship. With a keen eye for emerging trends and a deep understanding of market dynamics, I provide insightful analysis and commentary on the latest advancements shaping the tech industry.