KUALA LUMPUR: Preparations for Malaysian pilgrims to the Holy Land for the 2026 haj season are well in place, with the first flight scheduled for April 18 proceeding as planned, says Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan.
Zulkifli said his recent visit to Makkah and Madinah found that Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) had made better preparations than in previous years.
"I have just returned from an official visit to Madinah and held a meeting with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah, which was attended by many religious affairs ministers and hajj ministers from around the world.
"Haj operations will proceed as planned. We have carried out very detailed planning, and TH has made the best possible preparations," he said at a press conference after the University MAIWP International (UniMAIWP) Proclamation and 16th Convocation Ceremony held here on Saturday (April 4).
He said TH also has a solid contingency plan to deal with any unforeseen changes.
"So far, discussions indicate that the contingency plan in place is capable of absorbing any changes that may occur.
"However, we pray that this year's haj can be carried out smoothly and all pilgrims will follow the plans that have been set," he said. – Bernama
