Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah today concluded his official visit to Malaysia by stressing that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is looking forward to welcoming 31,600 pilgrims from Malaysia during the Hajj season of 1444 Hijri-2023, in conjunction to resume pilgrims' numbers to pre-COVID-19 pandemic rates. During a press conference held in Kuala Lumpur, the minister explained that the facilities introduced to ease the performance of Hajj rituals this year – the latest of which was to reduce the value of the Hajj insurance cost by 73% and open competition between providers of Hajj services companies – that will contribute to reducing the cost for pilgrims, raising the quality of services provided during their pilgrimage and eliminating the requirement of having a muhram (male guardian) to accompany women performing Hajj and Umrah. Al-Rabiah reviewed and showcased the facilities offered by the Kingdom to facilitate the arrival of MalaysianUmrah performers in Makkah and Madina, which contributed to welcoming more than 300,000 Umrah performers in eight months. Al-Rabiah noted that his official visit to Malaysia, as part of a delegation comprising several entities, was paid according to directives by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. This visit represents an extension of purposeful relations between the two countries. It reassures that the need for provisions of all facilities is being met for the arrival of pilgrims and Umrah patrons. During the visit, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah met with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, to discuss bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries and opportunities to develop cooperation in all areas and sectors that can serve the joint interests of the two countries. Al-Rabiah also held meetings with several Malaysian ministers over opportunities to enhance cooperation in various sectors, discuss the facilities offered by the Kingdom to contribute to fulfilling the aspirations of the leaders in the two countries, and increase the number of pilgrims and Umrah peformers in light of the unlimited support and keenness of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for the safety of pilgrims and Umrah participants. During his visit, Al-Rabiah also attended the launch of the Nusuk platform in Malawi, which can be reached through the website Nusuk.sa/ms and the graduation of the first batch of students from the program "Training of pilgrim group leaders from Hajj country" to provide the best services to pilgrims and Umrah participants with the highest quality standards.
