KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 — The Saudi Hajj and Umrah Ministry has introduced new health requirements for pilgrims in the 1447H/2026M Hajj season, including the discontinuation of the Tabung Haji (TH) Treatment Centre in the Holy Land.
TH Group managing director and chief executive officer Mustakim Mohamad said they will enforce the new health protocols, which Malaysian pilgrims must follow to obtain their Hajj visa.
In a statement today, he said the key requirements include being free from infectious diseases, severe or uncontrolled chronic conditions, and being physically able to perform Hajj rituals independently.
Pilgrims with conditions like chronic kidney or heart failure, chronic lung or liver disease, cognitive or motor impairments, high-risk pregnancies, active infections, or undergoing cancer treatment will not be eligible to perform the Hajj.
Mustakim also advised prospective pilgrims to prepare physically for the journey, given the long stay in Saudi Arabia and the hot, dusty conditions.
He stressed that good health remains a key requirement for the Hajj, as outlined in the National Muzakah Hajj Resolutions and in line with the Health Ministry's (MOH) mandatory health screenings.
In addition, for the 2026 Hajj season, TH will no longer operate a Treatment Centre in the Holy Land. Pilgrims requiring further treatment will be referred to Saudi hospitals, with ongoing supervision from Malaysian health experts.
However, it will continue to provide health clinics at all pilgrim accommodations in Makkah and Madinah.
These clinics will offer outpatient services and pharmacy support, managed by qualified medical staff from the MOH, to ensure the continuity of healthcare for Malaysian pilgrims, including assistance for the elderly and those with disabilities.
Mustakim added that TH, in collaboration with the MOH, plans to provide healthcare facilities at private hospitals in Saudi Arabia if necessary, and will deploy 225 healthcare personnel to support the 2026 Hajj season.
TH remains committed to prioritising the safety, well-being, and comfort of Malaysian pilgrims by dedicating a significant portion of its Holy Land quota to medical staff.
