KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 27,000 pilgrims will perform the haj this year, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the waiting list included people who had registered for the pilgrimage for years to come.

"Priority is given to those who are old and those who registered early," he said after breaking fast with the me-dia and staff of the Pilgrims Fund Board at Tabung Haji headquarters here yesterday.

"Based on experience, we have more doctors, including six Saudi specialists at the pilgrims' quarters, including specialists who will accompany them to Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina."

The first group, he said, would leave on Oct 30 and would return on Dec 21 while the others were expected to return on Jan 14. -- Bernama