Saudi Haj ministry allocates 680 places for S’pore

SINGAPORE: The Haj Ministry of Saudi Arabia has allocated 680 places for Singapore for the coming Haj season in October.

It said it was unable to provide additional places beyond Singapore’s official quota of 680 for the pilgrimage to Mecca.

This decision to stick to the official quota — based on 0.1 per cent of the Muslim population of a country — applies to all countries.

The Saudi Hajj Minister, Dr Bandar Mohammad Al—Hajjar, explained the decision in response to a request in March for more places by Singapore’s Minister—in—charge of Muslim Affairs, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim.

He said there are many major development projects in the vicinity of the two Holy Mosques, along with space constraints in the boundary of Mina.

The global Muslim population is rising rapidly, while accommodation in the holy sites is limited.

The Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (Muis), or Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, said all the successful applicants have been informed.

They’ve registered for their Haj packages with the general sales agents appointed by Muis.

Muis said it shares the disappointment of those who won’t be able to perform the pilgrimage this year.

— CNA/ck