DPM: Close monitoring of Middle East development amid concerns over it disrupting haj season

KUCHING (March 14): The government is closely monitoring the development in the Middle East amid concerns about it affecting the upcoming haj season.

In giving this assurance, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof said discussions were already underway to ensure that the haj flight costs, among other things, would remain manageable.

“I have been informed that Lembaga Tabung Haji has already begun negotiations with the airlines to ensure that the cost of haj flights will not be affected,” he said, adding that the discussions involved all airlines operating in Malaysia, including international carriers such as Saudi Airlines.

“Whatever the outcome, it will be announced later by Tabung Haji or by the relevant minister,” said the Petra Jaya MP when met by reporters after the ‘Sumbangsih Santunan Kasih Seindah Syawal’ programme at the Samariang state constituency service centre here.

Conducted by the Samariang branch’s women wing of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), the programme was an annual initiative aimed at assisting residents in the area ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

During the event, a total of 150 Samariang constituents received financial aid and food baskets.

Also present yesterday were Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier’s Department (Law, State-Federal Relations and Malaysia Agreement 1963) and Samariang assemblyman Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) director Datuk Georgina Apphia Ngau, as well as local community leaders.