RANTAU PANJANG: The quota for the Haj as well as the accompanying conditions for Malaysian pilgrims are among the issues that will be discussed during Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Idris Ahmad's upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia.
Deputy Minister in Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Ahmad Marzuk Shaary said Idris was also expected to discuss issues related to Haj standard operating procedures (SOP) with Saudi government representatives.
"The government has yet to decide on the haj quota and other haj pilgrimage-related issues as well as the SOP. Discussions on the matter have yet to be held.
"The minister (Idris) will be there to discuss this. Discussions might also include new conditions on Covid-19 vaccine doses imposed by the Saudi government on Malaysian pilgrims," he said.
Ahmad Marzuk, who is also Pengkalan Chepa member of parliament, told this to reporters after handing over donation to flood victims here today.
He said the Saudi government has so far accepted the Covid-19 vaccinations of Malaysian pilgrims.
"So far, our pilgrims have complied with their conditions (on vaccination)," he said.
Ahmad Marzuk advised Malaysian pilgrims to strictly adhere to the SOP during their pilgrimage.
It is understood that Idris would depart for Saudi Arabia on March 18. All details on the haj pilgrimage are expected to be announced upon his return.