Health issues are the top cause for haj deferrals in Malaysia, surpassing financial reasons, with the government aiming to fully use the annual quota.
BACHOK: Health issues are now the leading cause for Malaysian pilgrims deferring their haj pilgrimage, surpassing financial constraints.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said health and personal factors are the primary reasons, with financial concerns now ranking third.
He stated that only 18% of pilgrims have deferred so far this year, a significant drop from approximately 50% in previous years.
“This follows the improvement initiatives implemented by Lembaga Tabung Haji,” he told reporters after a housing handover event in Kampung Aman, Kandis.
Zulkifli emphasised that health screening is a mandatory condition to ensure a safe pilgrimage in the Holy Land.
The government will ensure Malaysia’s haj quota is fully utilised, with appeals open until Ramadan to fill any vacancies.
He said quotas from deferred pilgrims will be offered to the next eligible candidates according to existing rules.
Lembaga Tabung Haji will issue further announcements on haj offers and appeals periodically.
Malaysia’s haj quota for this year remains at 31,600 pilgrims, as set by the Saudi government.
