KUCHING: Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar officiated the Sarawak Southern Zone-level Prime Hajj Course 1446H/2025M at Masjid Jamek, here yesterday (Apr 12).
He arrived around 8.30 pm accompanied by his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, and was welcomed by several dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, Tabung Haji’s Chief Technology Officer, Shamsul Kamal Hussein Kamal – representing the top management of Tabung Haji (TH) Malaysia – urged Malaysian pilgrims to fully focus during the Prime Hajj Course 1446H/2025M to ensure the pilgrimage is performed properly in the Holy Land.
He said the course emphasises practical aspects of the hajj rituals and serves as the best opportunity for pilgrims to gain understanding and clear up any confusion before departing for Mecca.
“TH is always committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of Malaysian pilgrims by providing world-class services.
“However, this success is only possible with the consistent cooperation and high discipline shown by Malaysian pilgrims every year,” he said.
He also reminded attendees that performing the hajj requires istito’ah, which includes financial, health, safety and visa quota considerations.
Shamsul further shared that the cost of performing the hajj remains at RM33,300 this year despite various challenges, including taxes, inflation and service charges in Saudi Arabia.
“TH continues to cover both direct and indirect costs, including flights, accommodation, meals, transportation and courses such as this,” he added.
He advised pilgrims to begin preparing themselves not only physically but also spiritually and mentally, especially with the Day of Wukuf expected to occur during hot weather.
To enhance services, TH has also introduced three digital initiatives – THHujjaj app, the online learning platform e-Bimbingan, and e-TAIB, an online hajj ritual Q&A service to ease pilgrims’ affairs while in the Holy Land.
Shamsul expressed appreciation to the Hajj Ritual Guides (PEKTA) for their dedication since October 2024 and encouraged pilgrims to continue attending scheduled lectures and briefings.
“Indeed, being Allah’s guest is a greatly envied opportunity. Use it wisely,” he said.
Wan Junaidi then handed over hajj essentials contributions to ten selected pilgrims, sponsored by PPES Ternak Sdn Bhd.
The Grand Hajj Course (KPH) is the final course for Malaysian pilgrims and is conducted over one and a half days, focusing on practical hajj rituals such as tawaf, sa’ie, wuquf, mabit and stoning.
This course is held during the month of Syawal at state-level TH offices and is attended by pilgrims selected for the current year.
For Sarawak, the KPH is centralised in Kuching, and involves pilgrims from Kuching, Samarahan, Serian and Sri Aman – a total of 600 participants.
