KUCHING: A total of 133 pilgrims from Sarawak were given a heartfelt send-off today as they prepared to embark on their journey to the Holy Land to perform the hajj.
The ceremony, held at the Raia Hotel and Convention Centre, was officiated by Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, together with his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, who also spent time interacting with the pilgrims and conveying their well wishes.
Also present were Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Islamic Affairs, Regional Development and DBKU), Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi; Mufti of Sarawak, Datuk Khalidi Ibrahim; and Tabung Haji representatives led by Chief Integrity and Governance Officer Mohd Hasraff Hashim.
The atmosphere was both emotional and solemn as families and well-wishers gathered to bid farewell to the pilgrims undertaking the fifth pillar of Islam.
The group is scheduled to depart from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 7:25 pm, then join other Malaysian pilgrims and continue their journey to Madinah on a special Amal flight by Malaysia Airlines departing at 12:05 am, with arrival expected at 3:50 am Saudi Arabian time.
The pilgrims are among a total of 921 Sarawak pilgrims selected to perform the hajj this year, comprising 673 under the Muassasah category, 94 package pilgrims, and 154 private pilgrims.
Of the total, 646 pilgrims are departing via Kuching in five flight groups: KT035Q (128 pilgrims), KT037Q (127), KT039Q (130), KT041Q (133), and KT033Q (128), departing in stages according to schedule.
Outbound flights for the hajj season began on April 18 and will continue until May 20, with the peak ritual of wuquf in Arafah scheduled for May 26.
The return phase is set to begin from June 4 to June 30.
During their stay in the Holy Land, pilgrims will undergo structured programmes, including religious briefings, health and counselling sessions, and assistance with performing their first umrah.
The ceremony also reflects the continued support of the Sarawak government and relevant agencies in ensuring smooth Hajj operations for the state’s pilgrims each year.
