Kota Kinabalu: Some 137 pilgrims from Sabah departed for Mecca on Saturday night, the first group for the 1446H/2025M Hajj season aboard a special Malaysia Airlines flight via Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Upon arrival at KLIA, they would join 147 others from Selangor for Jeddah via special flight arriving there at 8.25am on Sunday.
The group was part of 962 pilgrims from Sabah comprising 567 women and 395 men. According to the Pilgrims Fund Board (Lembaga Tabung Haji – TH), it was one of 100 chartered Hajj flights arranged to transport 31,600 Malaysian pilgrims to the Holy Land in stages.
The flag-off ceremony for Sabah pilgrims was officiated by Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor, who presented a financial contribution.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, reminded the pilgrims to maintain discipline, follow TH guidelines and respect the laws of Saudi Arabia to ensure their safety and the smooth performance of their religious duties.
“Pilgrims must stay focused on their worship and avoid engaging in any activities that violate the host country’s regulations,” he said.
He also urged pilgrims to take care of their health and hygiene, especially under the hot climate and in large gatherings of Muslims from around the world.
In addition, Mohd Na’im advised Malaysians intending to perform Hajj not to fall prey to offers through unauthorised or visa-less channels.
“Such actions pose serious risks, including fines, deportation, and being blacklisted from entering Saudi Arabia for a certain period,” he warned.
Moh Na’im added that pilgrims also serve as agents of information to their families and communities by raising awareness on the importance of adhering to the rules of Hajj.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister III, Datuk Ir. Shahelmey Yahya; Sabah Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Dr. Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif; and Sabah and Sarawak Regional Director of Tabung Haji, Datuk Nurlaila Said.
