ALOR SETAR: A total of 85,000 haj appeals have been submitted this year via Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar (pic).
He said these appeals would be reviewed to fill any vacancies left by pilgrims unable to perform the haj owing to health issues or other unforeseen circumstances.
"Malaysians are eager to fulfil their sacred duty of performing the haj, and these 85,000 appeals will help fill spots left vacant by those who may withdraw for (various) reasons," he said after the Santuni Asnaf Aidilfitri programme at the Kuala Kedah Parliamentary Community Centre here on Friday (April 25).
The minister added that the government is still awaiting a decision from the Saudi Arabian authorities on Malaysia's request for an additional 10,000 places in this year's haj quota.
"This request is being made by many countries globally, but I am confident the Saudi government will consider Malaysia’s appeal.
"While I cannot predict when we will get a response, the government will continue to follow up with the Saudi authorities,” he said.
Na’im said his visit to Kedah was part of the unity government’s initiative to improve the well-being of rural communities and the underprivileged.
"I will be visiting religious teachers and providing contributions to support (pondok schools) and their students, who play an important role in Islamic education and outreach.
"Under the Ziarah Al-Falah Madani initiative, I will also be handing over two newly-built homes to asnaf families in Baling, a project under the Bait Al-Falah programme by Yayasan Taqwa,” he added. – Bernama
