Strengthening umrah and hajj industry for harmonious pilgrimage experience

With a commitment to fostering a secure, respectful and enriching pilgrimage experience, the Sarawak Umrah and Hajj Agencies Organisation (SUHA) is a foundation in the journey planning of Sarawak’s Muslim community.

Ruzaiman Ghazalee

Through a steadfast dedication to local values and a strong community network, SUHA is paving the way for a sustainable, supportive and distinctly Sarawakian approach to the umrah and hajj industry.

SUHA chairman Ruzaiman Ghazalee said SUHA’s goal is to ensure a comfortable and harmonious experience for the local Muslim community.

SUHA currently comprises agencies operating 17 accredited offices, including headquarters and branches located in eight major cities across Sarawak, including Kuching, Sri Aman, Sibu, Sarikei, Daro, Bintulu, Miri and Limbang.

“Many of our members bring decades of experience, with some approaching 40 years in this field. This ensures that our community receives the highest standard of care and service.

“At the same time, this reflects the deep expertise of the agencies under SUHA, each led by individuals who are committed to serving the needs of the community. While others may offer similar services, we are dedicated to going the extra mile and doing our best to meet the needs of every pilgrim,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.

Strengthening Local Collaboration for a Unified Pilgrimage Ecosystem
Central to SUHA’s mission is building a cohesive and collaborative pilgrimage ecosystem in Sarawak.

Beyond providing services, Ruzaiman said SUHA facilitates partnerships among local agencies and organisations to create a shared understanding of the responsibilities and needs within the Umrah and Hajj industry.

“By fostering this collaboration, SUHA aims to create an environment where local agencies work hand in hand to ensure that each Sarawakian pilgrim embarks on a well-supported, safe, and meaningful journey.”

Ruzaiman explained that SUHA’s role is not limited to managing logistical requirements.

SUHA is currently in discussions with other associations, not only within Sarawak but also in West Malaysia and Kalimantan Barat.

“This allows us to gather diverse perspectives and continue to refine the standards of our services. Moreover, this network of collaboration would enable SUHA to identify emerging challenges in the industry and address them proactively.

“Through these collective efforts, we hope to gently improve existing regulations by keeping them relevant to today’s needs.”

Ruzaiman added that the industry is regulated by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Tabung Haji Board, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and other relevant bodies.

Addressing Challenges and Enhancing Awareness
To protect the interests of Sarawak’s Muslim community, Ruzaiman said SUHA has launched initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the importance of using licensed agencies, which are recognised by authorities and operate with legitimate headquarters or branches in Sarawak.

He said this helps to prevent exploitation and ensures that pilgrims are equipped with accurate information, enabling them to make safe and informed choices.

“SUHA has received various complaints from Sarawak pilgrims with some facing similar challenges while other experiencing different concerns. One of the issues that pilgrims have encountered is delays in receiving refunds after being unable to travel to the Holy Land even after several years of waiting.

“We understand that if such matters are not addressed promptly, more pilgrims could face similar difficulties. Through the establishment of SUHA, our aim is to minimise these occurrences and ensure a smoother experience for all pilgrims.”

On another note, Ruzaiman urged licensed agencies across the country to refrain from lending their licences to third parties whether to unlicensed agencies or individuals.

“We believe that one of the reasons behind these challenges is the lack of experience in managing umrah and hajj. When issues arise, they can become complicated as it may involve misunderstandings between various parties.

“By working together, we can protect the interests of pilgrims and uphold the integrity of this sacred journey.”

Ruzaiman said SUHA has also addressed the growing issue of unauthorised visas, reminding pilgrims that compliance with Saudi Arabian regulations is essential for their safety and the industry’s integrity.

He stressed that it is always best to follow the established laws and regulations of the host country as these rules are in place for a reason particularly to ensure the safety of pilgrims and to manage the available facilities during the hajj season.

“Seeking shortcuts while well-intentioned may lead to unintended consequences, and it is important to remember that these regulations should not be overlooked simply to fulfil the obligation of hajj. As a result, the reputation of our country could be at risk if such practices are caught by the authorities.

“We also wish to emphasise that every prospective pilgrim shares this responsibility. The concept of eligibility to perform hajj, according to Islamic teachings, is rooted in the principle of Istito’ah which encompasses factors such as health, safety, financial stability, proper transportation, and possessing an authorised hajj visa.

“By adhering to these guidelines, we can ensure a safe, meaningful, and lawful pilgrimage experience for all.”

Supporting Sarawak’s Young Pilgrims and Promoting Direct Flights
An encouraging trend within Sarawak is the rise of younger pilgrims interested in performing hajj.

This increase, according to SUHA, is driven by a renewed awareness of the benefits of undertaking the pilgrimage at a younger age, with many youths registering early to better prepare for the journey.

“We see this as an incredibly positive shift, as it reflects a deepened sense of purpose among our younger generation. We encourage Sarawak’s youth to continue registering early as early planning can contribute significantly to a fulfilling experience.”

In addition to fostering early registrations, SUHA is supporting a proposal for direct flights for umrah from Sarawak, which would ease travel for Sarawakian pilgrims.

Currently, pilgrims must rely on connecting flights—a sometimes strenuous process, especially for elderly travellers.

“Having direct flights from Sarawak would be a major advantage, making the journey more accessible and straightforward.”

Ruzaiman added that while technical considerations remain, SUHA is optimistic that this initiative could soon become a reality thus bringing immense convenience to Sarawak’s Muslim community.

Empowering New Industry Entrants with Proper Guidance
Recognising that the umrah and hajj industry is both growing and increasingly competitive, Ruzaiman said SUHA warmly welcomes individuals interested in entering the field, offering advisory services and promoting transparency in the licensing process.

He stressed that SUHA is committed to supporting the state government’s vision of building an industry that is fair and provides opportunities for all Sarawakians.

“By following the right procedures and adhering to high ethical standards, new entrants can help us strengthen and expand this industry for future generations.

“Through collaboration, ethical standards, and ongoing state support, SUHA is ensuring that Sarawakians can embark on their spiritual journeys with confidence and peace of mind, knowing they are supported by a network committed to their safety, dignity, and fulfilment,” he added.