SHAH ALAM: Prospective pilgrims who fail to pass the health screening to perform the haj for the 1447H/2026 season, as required by the Saudi Arabian government, may reapply the following year if their health condition improves, says Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) said so far, just 3% of 31,600 Malaysian pilgrims for 2026 have failed the health screening.
“If they fail for that particular year, it does not mean the opportunity is lost forever. If they make efforts to improve their health in the future, an offer letter will be issued once they are truly eligible.
“I believe the regulations introduced by the Saudi government were based on studies and the fact that chronic illnesses among pilgrims have contributed to a relatively high number of deaths during each haj season,” he told reporters after launching the National Madani Converts Convention (Kemudi) yesterday.
Mohd Na’im said Malaysia is committed to complying with the health requirements due to the recurring cases of heart-related deaths among Malaysian pilgrims each haj season.
He said for that purpose, Tabung Haji will work closely with the Health Ministry to strengthen the health screening system, as haj regulations are updated almost every year.
On Monday, the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah announced the health requirements to be fulfilled for the 1447H/2026 haj season, including being free from infectious, serious or uncontrolled chronic diseases and being physically capable of performing haj independently.
