BUKIT GANTANG: Malaysia has applied for an additional 5,000 places on the haj quota from the Saudi Arabian government for this year’s haj season, said religious affairs minister Idris Ahmad.
He said approval would depend on the Saudi Arabian government.
Idris advised prospective pilgrims to look after their health as they must pass a medical examination to obtain a pilgrim visa, as stipulated by the Saudi Arabian government.
Other candidates would be offered places should those prospective pilgrims with health and age problems decline their offer letters.
Idris had announced last month that 14,306 places were offered to Malaysian pilgrims this year, or 45% of the normal quota given by Saudi Arabia.
A total of 31,600 Malaysian pilgrims were allowed to perform the haj in 2019.