KUALA LUMPUR, 5 Aug 2017:
A total of 178 out of 229 haj pilgrims who could not travel to Makkah – due to visa delays – have departed for the holy land, said Tabung Haji (TH) yesterday.
Group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Johan Abdullah said the body is working on resolving similar problems faced by the remaining pilgrims and is confident it would be resolved soon.
“TH is always in touch with Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Malaysia, Fahad Abdullah Al-Rashid, to find the best way to resolve this problem.
“An embassy representative has informed me that more staff have been deployed to expedite the processing of visas.”
It was reported that 1% of haj pilgrims had to endure visa delay due to high demand from pilgrims worldwide.
Johan said the increase in the country’s pilgrim quota of 30,200 from 22,000 previously was among the causes of visa delay.
Pilgrims who faced visa delay would be given accommodation and food at Kelana Jaya Haj Complex, with the costs borne entirely by TH.
TH has lined up 110 haj flights for Makkah – of which 47 had departed for the holy land. The final flight is scheduled to depart on Aug 26.
Pilgrims facing visa problems can give updates at Bilik Seri Setia, TIngkat 1, Kompleks TH, which operates 24 hours or they can call special lines 03-78736297 or 013-8068099.
TH is providing 46 haj counselors and three consultants to assist Malaysian pilgrims who need advice on the haj pilgrimage and to resolve their concerns.
“The pilgrims understanding of the haj is important so that they could conduct the rituals properly,” said Haj guidance operation director Tengku Aziz Raja Abdullah.
Issues not settled by the counselors would be taken to the consultants, who would resolve them.
Tengku Aziz said the 46 haj counselors are a mix of 60% old faces while the rest are new faces.
The three consultants are former director-general of Islamic Development Department Datuk Wan Mohamad Abdul Aziz; former Johor mufti Datuk Mohd Noh Gadut and University of Malaya former lecturer Dr Hanisah Abdul Ghani.
TH has also activated Talian Ibadah Haji (TAIB) or worship hotline to answer queries raised by pilgrims.
TAIB operates from 7am to 12 noon; 4.30pm to 6.30pm and 8pm to 10pm. It will operate 24 hours two weeks before ‘wukuf’ day and one week after ‘wukuf’ day.
– Bernama