PILGRIMS DELIGHTED

30,200 pilgrims can perform haj this season

NUR AQIDAH AZIZI

AND MELISSA DARLYNE CHOW SEREMBAN news@nst.com.my

MAIMUNAH Hashim, 50, was delighted to learn in 2012 that her name had been listed as one of the pilgrims scheduled to perform the haj next year.

But when news of the reduced haj quota for Malaysia was announced a few years back, Maimunah, from Taman Vision here, thought her chance to perform the haj was slim.

“I had saved money just to perform the haj. I was worried when I learnt about the reduced quota, but I have been praying that my turn would come soon,” she said.

Since news that Malaysia’s haj quota has been restored to 30,200 pilgrims, from 27,900 pilgrims, beginning this year was announced by Tabung Haji chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim yesterday, Maimunah said she felt relieved and hoped her name would still be on next year’s list.

“I hope my dream to set foot in Mecca will come true,” she said.

In 2013, Saudi Arabia revoked the haj quota by 20 per cent for every country due to extension work at the Grand Mosque.

Meanwhile, Mohd Yasin Abdullah, 72, looked forward to the good news.

“I am relieved to learn about the latest development. Hopefully I will join this year’s haj season, since my name was listed for this year,” he said.

Earlier in Parliament, Azeez said the Malaysian haj quota had been restored beginning this haj season .

Azeez (BN-Baling) said the approval was obtained during Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud’s visit at the end of last month.

“As Tabung Haji chairman, I feel proud and privileged, as King Salman’s official visit has brought many good things and