TH resolves visa problem of 178 haj pilgrims

A total of 178 out of 229 haj pilgrims who could not travel to Makkah due to visa delays have departed for the holy land, said Tabung Haji (TH) Friday.

TH group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Johan Abdullah said they were working on resolving similar problems faced by the remaining pilgrims and was confident it would be resolved soon.

"TH is always in touch with Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Malaysia, Fahad Abdullah Al-Rashid to find the best way to resolve this problem.

"An embassy representative has informed me that more staff have been deployed to expedite the processing of visas," he told a press conference at TH Complex, here today.

It was reported that one percent of haj pilgrims had to endure visa delay due to high demand from pilgrims worldwide.

Johan said the increase in the country's pilgrim quota of 30,200 from 22,000 previously was among the causes of visa delay.

Pilgrims who faced visa delay would be given accommodation and food at Kelana Jaya Haj Complex with the costs borne entirely by TH.

TH has lined up 110 haj flights for Makkah of which 47 had departed for the holy land. The final flight is scheduled to depart on August 26.

Pilgrims facing visa problems can give updates at Bilik Seri Setia, TIngkat 1, Kompleks TH, which operates for 24 hours or they can call the special lines, 03-78736297 or 013-8068099.

-- BERNAMA