First haj flight returns to Kuching with 141 pilgrims

KUCHING (July 13): The first group of Haj pilgrims from Sarawak, comprising 141 pilgrims, touched down safely at the Kuching International Airport here on Friday night at 8.30pm via Malaysia Airlines flight KT70Q.

Their return was welcomed by Deputy Minister II of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi; Tabung Haji (TH) Sabah and Sarawak regional director Datin Hajah Nurlaila Said; and other distinguished guests.

According to Dr Abdul Rahman, there will be four more flights to come today, July 14 and July 18.

“This year, alhamdulillah, a total of 972 pilgrims managed by Tabung Haji Sarawak performed the Haj.

“I would also like to inform that two of our pilgrims passed away in the holy land and after July 18, there will be a total of 970 pilgrims who will return to the homeland,” he told reporters when met at the airport yesterday.

Dr Abdul Rahman also advised the pilgrims to take care of the haj mabrur and advised them to continue supporting TH.

“From time to time, although not many, there are some who help TH. However, when the haj has been performed, they return to their homeland and stop their savings with TH.

“So I urge they continue supporting TH by maintaining the existing savings,” he said.

He also encouraged Muslims to start performing haj at a young age, as there are many challenges particularly physical ones.

“For example, we were informed the temperature at Makkah and Madinah was quite high, so good physical health is needed to perform the haj,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nurlaila hoped Muslims in Sarawak, including haj pilgrims, continue saving with TH and take care of haj mabrur.