SEPANG: Tabung Haji (TH) has reached 100% readiness for the 1447H/2026M haj season, with all key aspects meticulously planned and coordinated ahead of the first flight to the Holy Land this Saturday (April 18).
The deputy director for 1447H haj operations, Mohd Norber Kassim, said only minor tweaks might be needed now and then if new changes arise.
"We might need a few small tweaks here and there if new changes pop up. Overall, though, we’re fully ready,” he told reporters after Wednesday's (April 15) media tour for the 1447H/2026M haj season operations.
Mohd Norber said this year’s operations cover eight TH stations nationwide: the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) as the main hub and seven outstations.
He said all planning was finalised at the haj operations meeting to ensure everything runs smoothly each season.
"TH discussed with all the relevant agencies at each station to make sure pilgrims’ departures go smoothly,” he said.
Mohd Norber said Malaysia's first haj flight is scheduled for this Saturday to the Holy Land, with check-in starting at 10pm on Friday (April 17).
"For the first flight, 284 pilgrims will fly to the Holy Land on Malaysia Airlines. Insya-Allah, it’ll follow the schedule and plans as set,” he said.
Mohd Norber added that TH is prioritising pilgrims' health as a key factor to ensure the smooth practice of the annual pilgrimage, the fifth pillar of Islam.
"Haj activities from packages and flights to courses, visas, passports, flight coordination, and pilgrim preparations have all been handled smoothly. We’ve shared all the details with prospective pilgrims,” he said.
He said TH has given thorough training and guidance to haj staff, including assigning officers to assist and guide pilgrims throughout their time in the Holy Land and back home.
Media reports cited that 141 haj staff from TH and the Health Ministry flew to Saudi Arabia on April 11, while 107 more are leaving on Wednesday to prepare for operations ahead of 31,600 Malaysian pilgrims. — Bernama
