MAKKAH: Malaysia's haj pilgrims are poised to demonstrate exemplary discipline and cooperation during this year's pilgrimage, as highlighted by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs).
In a speech delivered at the launch of the Masyair Cleanliness Programme yesterday, Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar emphasised the high regard in which Malaysian pilgrims are held by the Saudi Arabian authorities.
The Masyair Cleanliness Programme, which has been running since 2018, aims to maintain cleanliness in three crucial pilgrimage sites which are Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina.
With just one day remaining before the pilgrimage, all 31,600 Malaysian pilgrims will join approximately 2 million pilgrims from around the world.
"This programme allows Malaysian pilgrims to fulfill their responsibilities as Muslims, demonstrating that worship extends beyond prayers and fasting to include maintaining good relationships and a clean environment," he said.
He stressed that the programme encourages a broader understanding of worship, incorporating the concept of taawun (cooperation).
"We hope this programme will foster a spirit of cooperation and build a sense of ukhwah among Malaysian pilgrims. With this spirit, we expect Arafah to remain clean, setting an example for other countries," he added.
The Minister expressed confidence that if each of the 31,600 Malaysian pilgrims understands and embraces the Masyair Cleanliness Program, it will not only ensure the program's success but also lead them to achieve a blessed haj (haji mabrur).
The programme's launch was attended by notable figures, including the Tabung Haji (TH) chairman, Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain and its chief executive officer, Syed Hamadah Syed Othman.
Malaysian haj delegation head, Datuk Seri Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman and two board members, Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed and Datuk Seri Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd were also present.