KUALA LUMPUR: The Kiswa - a black-coloured and gold-embroidered cloth that covers the Kaaba - was raised on Sunday to mark the start of the haj season.

The ceremony, usually held on or after 15 Zulkaedah each year, was officiated by the head of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques Sheikh Dr Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais.

Through a video clip shared by the department on the Twitter platform on Tuesday, Sudais was seen participating in the process of raising the Kiswa with several officers.

Earlier on Sunday, Al-Sudais announced the launch of a large-scale plan for the 1443H pilgrimage season, which focuses on 10 key steps under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategic goal.

-- BERNAMA