PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) said the new standard operating procedure (SOP) for umrah travel has been refined with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and would be brought to a quartet meeting for approval.
MOTAC said the SOP was a guide to curb the spread of COVID-19 while performing umrah activities by focusing on, among others, for the pilgrims to be covered by insurance that provides health coverage, including treatment, isolation and quarantine requirements for COVID-19 infection while in Saudi Arabia and on return to Malaysia.
In addition, the SOP also ensures pilgrims are fully vaccinated and making compulsory for pilgrims to take the booster jabs for their safety as well as holding the umrah operator responsible for informing the pilgrims on the responsibilities, procedures, liabilities and instructions throughout the pilgrimage.
MOTAC in a statement today said the process of finalising the new SOP had taken into account the interests of all parties holistically, including balancing umrah activities with the implementation of stricter health and safety protocols to protect Malaysians in the Holy Land and also when they return home.
It said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri hoped the decision would be welcomed by companies handling the umrah pilgrimage and Malaysian families and reminded all parties to abide by the new SOP.
MOTAC said the Cabinet, at its meeting on Jan 26, agreed to-allow Muslims in the country to resume the umrah pilgrimage starting Feb 8 after temporarily suspending it following the transmission of the Omicron COVID-19 variant among returning pilgrims.
It was also suspended was to provide space for government agencies and all parties involved to evaluate and improve the SOP for umrah.
MOTAC said a total of eight engagement sessions was held since December last year between its minister and umrah companies such as the Malaysian Association of Bumiputera Tourism Operating Companies Malaysia (BUMITRA), Association of Umrah and Haj Travel Agencies (PAPUH) and the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA).
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sat Jan 29 2022
MOTAC said the SOP was a guide to curb the spread of COVID-19 while performing umrah activities. - Astro AWANI photo
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.