Saudi Award Stands S'pore in Good Stead to Get Larger Haj Quota: Faishal

It gives Republic the resolve to continue appealing to Saudi govt for more slots for pilgrims, he says

- Syarafana Shafeeq

An award given by Saudi Arabia to the Singapore Pilgrims' Affairs Office stands the Republic in good stead to secure a larger quota for haj pilgrims, said Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim.

The Labbaitum Gold Award for excellence in delivering seamless and meaningful haj experiences for Singaporean pilgrims was conferred by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on June 9.

"This gives us the opportunity, the resolve, and the commitment to continue to engage and appeal to the Saudi government for a higher quota for our people," Associate Professor Faishal said on June 13.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is also committed to this resolve, he added.

He was speaking to the media at Changi Airport Terminal 3, on the sidelines of welcoming the first returnees from this year's pilgrimage.

The haj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam and takes place over five or six days.