Govt hopes more will be able to perform haj, umrah on Saudi Arabia’s decision

This is after the Saudi’s govt announced the lifting of all Covid-19 restrictions 

by AUFA MARDHIAH 

MINISTER in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Idris Ahmad hopes that with the lifting of some Covid-19 restrictions in Saudi Arabia, more Muslims in Malaysia will be able to perform umrah and haj this year. 

“I am sure that the Saudi Arabian government has made careful preparations based on the best practices of international handling to ensure the safety of its people as well as the pilgrims from all over the world,” he said in a statement yesterday. 

“The government, especially the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) will always continue to work with the Saudi Arabian government to always do the best for the safety and health of the pilgrims,” he added. 

Bernama reported on Wednesday that the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health announced the lifting of all Covid-19 restrictions, including the mandatory quarantine for all visitors arriving in the country. 

The move was taken following a drop in cases and the vaccination rate reaching 99% for all residents aged 12 and above. 

Meanwhile, Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) welcomes the Saudi Arabian government’s move. 

“TH is confident that the Saudi Arabian government has examined various aspects to ensure the safety of the residents as well as the umrah and haj pilgrims,” said TH group MD and CEO Datuk Seri Amrin Awaluddin. 

Furthermore, Persatuan Syarikat Pengendalian Pelancongan Bumiputera Malaysia president Harun Kc Achmmu said they respects the decision of the Saudi Arabian government and sees that the partial withdrawal is very appropriate.

“This is due to the fact that the vaccination rate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has exceeded 80%, following that the UAE has already opened the country’s entrance to visitors without having to undergo a rapid antigen test. Following the Saudi Arabian government’s confidence, those infected with Covid-19 are considered normal fever.

“In lieu of the circumstances, it is very appropriate for the Saudi Arabian government to partially lift the restrictions, and I also 

believe that our government can make the Saudi Arabian government as reference to fully open up the country’s border,” he said. 

Based on a tweet from Haramain Sharifain, visitor intending to perform umrah on a tourist visa are no longer necessary to be vaccinated to enter the Kingdom and are also optional to register on the Muqeem Portal. 

According to Reuters, to date, Saudi Arabia has administered at least 59.66 million doses of Covid19 vaccines encompassing about 87.1% of the country’s population.