Over sixty-six flights out of the 98 flights scheduled to arrive from Malaysia with pilgrims have already arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with pilgrims being the beneficiaries of the Makkah Route initiative, according to Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar, chairman of Malaysian Hajj pilgrims fund board.
Talking to the Saudi press agency (SPA), Mokhtar expressed satisfaction with Malaysia having been selected to benefit from the Makkah Route initiative, which, he said, is successful and excellent.
The initiative, which was first carried out at Kuala Lumpur international airport five years ago, helps complete travel procedures for visitors of the holy sites speedily, and helps them embark on the Hajj journey with ease and in comfort, Mokhtar said.
He extended appreciation to the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and all institutions in charge of implementing the initiative.
The Makkah Route initiative entails finalizing pilgrims' travel procedures in their countries, before departure. Services provided under the initiative include issuing visas electronically, collecting biometric data, and facilitating all other travel procedures, including ensuring that travelers enjoy a clean bill of health.
Under the initiative, baggage is coded and sorted out in accordance with transport and residence arrangements in the kingdom, transporting pilgrims to their residences in Makkah and Madinah, and delivering their luggage to their places of residence.