KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has become the first country granted approval by the Saudi Arabian government to distribute Nusuk cards to haj pilgrims domestically before their departure to the Holy Land.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said the approval is a recognition of Malaysia’s efficient hajj management system.
"Last year, the cards were handed out in Makkah before the Wukuf ritual, but this year, they will be distributed earlier to ease the pilgrims’ movement.
"If we succeed in managing domestic distribution of the cards, the initiative will be extended to other countries.
"This is a significant recognition from the Saudi government, made possible through the close and strategic cooperation between Tabung Haji (TH) and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah,” he told reporters after visiting the Haj Visa Processing Unit to observe preparations for the 1446H/2025 pilgrimage season here on Tuesday (April 22).
Also present were TH chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain and chief executive officer Datuk Syed Hamadah Syed Othman.
The Nusuk card, introduced by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, serves as the official identification for all pilgrims worldwide.
Na’im also extended his appreciation to the Saudi government for its efficiency in issuing visas and improving the Nusuk card system.
"InsyaAllah, this achievement will serve as a catalyst for TH to continue providing the best services to Malaysian pilgrims,” he said.
On a related matter, he said the visa issuance process for Malaysian pilgrims for this year’s haj season has reached 45%.
"TH is also fully prepared for this year’s haj operations, with readiness at nearly 100%. This year, TH is deploying 632 personnel, comprising welfare staff, medical staff, and relevant external agencies,” he added. – Bernama
