First group of 329 pilgrims return home as Malaysia begins 2026 Haj phase two

SEPANG, June 4 — The first group of 329 Malaysian haj pilgrims arrived safely at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) here at 1.13 am, marking the start of the second phase of haj operations for the 1447H/2026M Haj Season, to welcome the return of the pilgrims to the homeland.

Their arrival was welcomed by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hassan and his wife Hanani Harun, as well as Tabung Haji (TH) Customer Experience executive director Datuk Mohamed Ameen Abdul Wahab.

The first group, consisting of pilgrims from Selangor, departed from King Abdul Aziz International Airport, Jeddah at 11.31am (Saudi Arabia time) yesterday, aboard a Saudi Airlines flight (SV5004).

“The arrival of the first Haj pilgrims means that the second phase of this year’s Haj has begun, which is the return phase of our Haj pilgrims. Alhamdulillah, everything went well and all our Haj pilgrims are in good condition.

“Thank you to all Haj personnel this year, whether TH personnel or the Ministry of Health including the Malaysian Immigration Department, Royal Customs Department, Royal Malaysian Police, Malaysia Airport Holding Bhd, corporate companies and all parties who assisted with Haj matters this year,” he told reporters after attending the First Flight Haj Pilgrim Arrival Reception Ceremony here today.

Zulkifli said the goals of this year’s Haj operation were successfully achieved, among them TH had received the Labbaikum Diamond Award, the highest recognition from the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Haj and Umrah for the best Haj management and services in the world.

“This is the highest award for Haj management starting in the country with the Haj course, (examination) of pilgrims’ health, thorough preparations, flights, accommodation, logistics, food, security and the entire aspect of Haj operations have been filled in well and implemented very carefully and meticulously by TH and all stakeholders,” he said.

Zulkifli said that throughout this year’s hajj season, a total of 65 pilgrims experienced health problems and were undergoing treatment in hospital, while 17 Malaysian pilgrims comprising eight women and nine men, died in the Holy Land, most of them suffering from heart attacks.

He also praised the good attitude and discipline shown by Malaysian pilgrims throughout their time in the Holy Land, thus reflecting the country’s good image in the eyes of the international community.

He said Malaysian pilgrims not only emphasised the aspect of cleanliness, but also always complied with the rules and instructions set by the authorities and haj management.

“In fact, this season has shown even greater achievements when our pilgrims also took the lead in recycling items to be made into useful products,” he said.

Meanwhile, he also expressed his appreciation to the media personnel working in the Holy Land and in the homeland who played an important role in conveying information related to haj operations to the people.

He said the coverage provided by media practitioners throughout this year’s haj season was very good and helped highlight the efficiency of Malaysia’s haj management at the international level.

“Through the coverage provided, the world can see for itself that Malaysia has an excellent haj management system as well as pilgrims and staff who always look after the country’s good name,” he said.

A total of 100 chartered flights are being provided by Amal via Malaysia Airlines and Saudia Airlines to bring 31,600 haj pilgrims back to the homeland starting June 3.

The last flight is scheduled for July 1. — Bernama