By Alang Bendahara
New Straits Times 29 Kuly, 2004
Planes sending haj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in December may not have to return empty. According to the Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi Saudi Arabia had agreed in principle to send tourists to Malaysia matching the number of Malaysian pilgrims via the returning airplanes.
"Currently, we are sending over 25,000 pilgrims each year, which is 0.1 per cent of the country’s population. So I asked if it is possible for Saudi Arabia to help fill our returning planes with Arab tourists."
After a recent meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Haj Minister Dr Essa Rawas that both of them had agreed to pursue the matter.
"Dr Essa has agreed verbally to the matter and we will try to develop the finer aspects of it later. If all goes well, it will be implemented during the next Haj season in December."
He said there would also be discussions with local banks to provide Islamic loans for Muslims to perform the umrah.
Asked whether the Saudi Arabian Government would increase the quota for Malaysian pilgrims, Zahid said Dr Essa had agreed to look into the matter.
Earlier, Dr Essa said his ministry was working with 52 tourism companies in Saudi Arabia to offer cheaper, easier and more attractive umrah packages via Internet.
"The packages are offered between June 15 and Sept 15 during Arab Saudi’s summer holiday — when most Arabs go overseas and accommodation is easily available," said Dr Essa.
The packages, aptly called Summer Umrah, can be booked by individuals or travel agents at www.summerumrah.com. It is also linked to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Saudi Arabia consulate.
"Visa applications can be processed within 24 hours after we receive payment via any Hongkong and Shanghai Bank (HSBC) worldwide for the packages which range from US$170 (RM646) to US$1,500," said Dr Essa.
He said multiple-entry visas would be issued, enabling Muslims to visit also other places such as Jeddah or Riyadh. |