MAKKAH: Malaysians who want to perform the haj have been advised to obtain their visas through proper channels.
In a statement yesterday, Tabung Haji (TH) said Malaysians were required to have the relevant visas to visit Saudi Arabia for umrah, haj, business or work.
In the case of haj, they had to wait for their turn based on the year of registration, TH said.
“The application and approval, as well as the issuance of haj visa, come under the jurisdiction of the Saudi embassy in Kuala Lumpur,” it said, adding that TH no longer managed applications for the Furada (private) haj visa.
Under the e-Haj system for haj visa, managed by the Saudi government, applicants must furnish the required information, including housing arrangements in Madinah and here, transport arrangements going back and forth from their country of origin, as well as food and Muassasah arrangements.
It said TH would not compromise on pilgrims’ safety, expressing its concerns on the actions of a few who wanted to perform the haj via land using various modes of transport, such as bicycles, motorcycles and four-wheeldrive vehicles.
“Travelling on land will expose you to security risks, accidents and the failure to secure a visa, which would stop you from performing the haj.”
Malaysian haj delegation head Datuk Seri Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman said TH had always complied with procedures for the haj visa application.
He said any violation of the process could harm the good ties between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.
“Haj visa approval is the absolute right of the Saudi government. Despite having the financial means, Muslims must understand that the haj kewajipan (obligation) includes haj quota queue, health and travelling safety.”