By Nur Farihan Razali
KUCHING: A group of 28 pilgrims from Mukah Division has been selected to embark on the annual pilgrimage this year. The group departed from Mukah Airport aboard the MH3420 (KT96Q) flight, marking the second Sarawak Hajj domestic flight, today.
According to Rolfandy Awi, the Mukah Pilgrimage Branch Manager, 56 people from the Mukah Division were initially offered the opportunity to perform the pilgrimage. However, after undergoing rigorous screening procedures, including health checks, some were deemed unprepared for the journey. Ultimately, only 28 pilgrims from Mukah Division were confirmed to proceed with the pilgrimage.
“We only want to send pilgrims who are physically and mentally prepared to perform the pilgrimage well and perfectly,” said Awi.
Among the 28 pilgrims, there was a 19-year-old young pilgrim and a 74-year-old woman, making her the oldest member of the congregation. Additionally, the group was composed of 12 men and 16 women, with 18 hailing from Mukah, three from Igan, two from Daro, and one from Matu.
While 24 pilgrims boarded the KT96Q flight to Kuching, the remainder made their own travel arrangements. All pilgrims will spend the night in Kuching before departing from Kuching International Airport (LTAK) at 7.25 pm via MH8437 flight. They are required to report to LTAK five hours prior to departure.
Upon arrival in Kuching, the pilgrims will be required to undergo various procedures, including submission of a backpack, housing sticker submission, health record book check, pass distribution, and luggage x-ray screening at the Raia Kuching Hotel.
The registration and luggage check-in process for the pilgrims began as early as 6.30 am at the Mukah Airport. The proceedings went smoothly, and all pilgrims were briefed upon completion of the check-in. Despite the presence of nearly 100 family members, relatives, and contacts at Mukah Airport, the situation was under control, thanks to the assistance of the Royal Malaysian Police Security, RELA, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, and Maswing.
Awi expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in organizing the pilgrimage and ensuring the pilgrims’ safe and comfortable journey. – JAPEN
