KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is committed to complying with the new health requirements for the 1447H/2026M haj season as announced by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Haj and Umrah recently, says Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar.
In a post on his Facebook on Tuesday (Oct 21), Mohd Na'im said the health guidelines were aimed at ensuring the safety, smooth execution and perfection of worship.
"The haj pilgrimage is not just the fifth pillar of Islam, it is also a test of one's capability (istito'ah), which includes physical and mental health capabilities. Without a healthy body, performing a perfect haj is difficult to achieve," he said.
He said the Pilgrims Fund Board (TH) and the Health Ministry were strengthening the mandatory health screening system to ensure that only genuinely fit pilgrims are allowed to travel to perform the pilgrimage.
Those who do not meet the minimum health requirements, he said, TH recommends postponing the haj pilgrimage, but the measure was not a restriction, but rather an opportunity to improve health and be fully prepared.
"TH will also ensure that every pilgrim accommodation in Makkah and Madinah is equipped with a health clinic, pharmacy, and certified medical officers, while serious cases will be referred to Saudi Arabian hospitals with close monitoring by ministry experts," he said.
Mohd Na'im said the Saudi Arabian government, through its Ministry of Health, has also taken proactive steps by providing modern public and private sector hospital facilities with the latest technology, and additional health personnel for haj operations, as well as health services in key areas of haj worship.
He expressed confidence that with the deployment of 225 MOH medical personnel in the Holy Land, the quality of health services for Malaysian pilgrims would continue to be at the best level. – Bernama
