KUALA LUMPUR: More than 300,000 pilgrims from Malaysia have performed the Umrah since the start of the Umrah season on July 30 last year, said Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah.
He said that the facilities provided by the Saudi Arabian government also contributed to the large arrival of pilgrims from Malaysia during the eight-month period.
In a press conference here yesterday, Tawfiq said the Saudi Arabian government was also looking forward to the arrival of 31,600 pilgrims from Malaysia during the Haj season of 1444 Hijrah, which is the full quota before the Covid-19 pandemic, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
He was on a three-day official visit to Malaysia that ended yesterday.
Saudi Arabia has also implemented several facilities to facilitate this year's Haj pilgrimage. The latest is a 73 per cent reduction in Hajj insurance premiums and open competition between Hajj service providers.
He is optimistic that the move will contribute in reducing the cost of Hajj and at the same time improve the quality of services.
SPA reported that he also met with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and several other ministers to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries as well as opportunities to develop cooperation in all sectors of mutual interest. – Bernama