Govt awaits Saudi probe after 5 Malaysians detained in Makkah

 The five are alleged to have attempted to enter the holy city illegally through hilly desert valleys.

Religious affairs minister Zulkifli Hasan said the government is seeking further information on the matter. (Bernama pic)

JEDDAH:

Putrajaya is awaiting the outcome of an investigation by the Saudi Arabian authorities into allegations that five Malaysians were detained for attempting to enter Makkah without haj permits.

Religious affairs minister Zulkifli Hasan said the government was seeking further information on the matter.

“We are still waiting for the investigation,” he said briefly after attending the 2026 Grand Haj Symposium here today.

Earlier, a Saudi Arabian news portal reported that five Malaysians were arrested after allegedly attempting to enter Makkah illegally through hilly desert valleys. - FMT