AFTER years of waiting, several pilgrims from Sarawak have expressed gratitude and hope as they prepare to embark on their Hajj journey to the Holy Land.
The send-off ceremony for Sarawak pilgrims was held at the Raia Hotel and Convention Centre, Kuching on Thursday, with the group scheduled to depart for Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) before continuing their journey to Mecca and Madinah.
Hajj flights for the 2026 season began on April 18 and will continue until May 20, while return flights are scheduled between June 4 and June 30.
The pilgrimage will last approximately from 40 to 50 days.
Several pilgrims shared their experiences of waiting, preparation and aspirations ahead of their journey.
Sopia Sopri, 51, shared a similar experience, having waited 16 years since registering in 2009.
“I prepared by attending courses and ensuring my stamina and health are in good condition,” she said.
Hamsawi Salleh, 46, said he had also waited more than a decade, having registered in 2009 before being selected in 2025.
“My main preparation is maintaining good health, including monitoring my body mass index, as well as attending courses and gathering information from Tabung Haji,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nur Anwariah Marsal, 39, said she had waited about 16 years after registering in 2009 before receiving the call to perform the Hajj.
“I registered in 2009 and waited for 16 years to be selected,” she said.
She added that preparations began two years ago, including attending courses and building physical and mental readiness through activities such as walking and watching preparation guides.
“I hope to achieve a mabrur Hajj and make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by increasing my daily acts of worship and remaining patient throughout the journey,” she said.
For Mohammad Hisyamuddin Kushairi, 28, the opportunity to perform Hajj with his siblings made the journey even more meaningful as their parents had registered them between 2008 and 2009.
“My preparation includes attending Tabung Haji courses, seeking advice from experienced pilgrims, and strengthening myself mentally, physically and spiritually,” he said.
He added that their shared aspiration is to perform the pilgrimage to the best of their ability.
“Our goal is to achieve a mabrur Hajj, as this opportunity comes only once in a lifetime,” he said.
