KUCHING, 9 May – A night filled with prayers, emotion, and blessings marked the official departure ceremony of 142 Sarawak Haj pilgrims under KT034Q for the 1446H/2025M Hajj season. The meaningful event, held at the Raia Hotel & Convention Centre, was graced by the presence of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah binti Mohd. Sanusi.
Their Excellencies were warmly received by YB Datuk Dr. Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Junaidi, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department; and YBhg Datuk Hajah Nurlaila binti Haji Said, Regional Director of Sabah and Sarawak, Lembaga Tabung Haji.
The ceremony began with an opening address from Datuk Hajah Nurlaila, expressing gratitude for the cooperation shown by all agencies in preparing the pilgrims for their sacred journey. She highlighted Tabung Haji’s continuous efforts to ensure comfort and guidance for Malaysian pilgrims.
The spiritual ambiance intensified with a moving doa selamat led by Ustaz Sharafudin bin Suaud, asking Allah SWT for ease, health, and protection for all pilgrims. The call to prayer (azan), beautifully rendered by Ustaz Awang Mohammad Safwan bin Awang Sefari, further uplifted the solemnity of the night.
Before departure, Tun Pehin Sri and Toh Puan personally greeted and presented donations to each pilgrim, offering words of encouragement that moved many to tears. The touching moment symbolised strong Islamic brotherhood and unity.
In his remarks, Tun Pehin Sri praised the dedication of Tabung Haji in facilitating the pilgrimage process and ensuring the welfare of Malaysian pilgrims each year.
Also present were prominent Sarawak Islamic leaders including the Mufti of Sarawak, Chief Syarie Judge, members of the Sarawak Islamic Council, and key representatives from Tabung Baitulmal and Sarawak State Mosque Welfare Trust Board.
Prayers were collectively offered for a safe, smooth, and blessed pilgrimage. Tun Pehin Sri and Toh Puan hoped all pilgrims would return home with a Haji Mabrur, spiritually fulfilled and protected by Allah SWT. — TYT Sarawak
