KUCHING: Whether or not Sarawakian Muslims would be allowed to perform the haj in Mecca this year is yet to decided, said Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) president Datuk Misnu Taha.
He said the state’s Islamic Council was waiting for the relevant decision from the federal government.
“So far we have not received any update from the federal government. The decision will involve Tabung Haji,” he said when contacted by New Sarawak Tribune on Sunday (June 7).
According to a state Tabung Haji’s officer, Ustaz Mohd Fauzi Hairani, the Islamic Council has not released any official announcement on the matter.
Asked whether pilgrims would be able to perform the haj, he said they would not be able to go to Mecca.
“I think Malaysia will emulate its neighbours, Indonesia and Singapore on cancelling this year’s haj.
“I don’t think the Saudi Arabian government would risk allowing the pilgrimage to take place during the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
It was learnt that Tabung Haji had sent haj offer letters to 31,600 intending pilgrims for the 1441H/2020M season since Jan 2020.
