Kuala lumpur: Malaysia has made an official request to the Saudi Arabian government for an increase in its Haj quota for the upcoming year. This request was confirmed by Datuk Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, an official letter was dispatched to Dr Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Haj and Umrah, requesting the additional quota. Currently, Malaysia's Haj quota stands at 31,600 pilgrims. This request was announced during the Tabung Haji (TH) 1446H Haj Season Completion and Corporate Partner Appreciation Ceremony.

The event celebrated the contributions of various government agencies, private sectors, and corporate partners that contributed to the success of the 1446H Haj season operations. Among those recognized was Bernama Radio journalist Nurliyana Farhah Ruslan. Additionally, 32 corporate partners were acknowledged for their contributions totaling RM7.1 million, which aided in ensuring the smooth execution of this year's Haj operations.

The ceremony also saw the presence of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia chief consul, Ali Abu Hikmah, who represented the Saudi Arabian ambassador to Malaysia, Mesaad Ibrahim Al Sulaim, along with TH chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain.

Mohd Na'im elaborated on plans for the next Haj season, highlighting Tabung Haji's focus on digitalizing the passport process to streamline operations. He emphasized the collaboration with the Saudi government and the Ministry of Haj and Umrah to achieve this goal. Furthermore, Tabung Haji has appointed a new Haj service provider in Saudi Arabia to enhance the services and comfort provided to pilgrims.