16/03/2026

MONDAY | MAR 16, 2026

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Umrah plans on hold amid West Asia tensions o Advisory urging postponement leaves would-be pilgrims facing uncertainty and disappointment

Drug abuse cases dip slightly nationwide KUALA LUMPUR: The number of individuals involved in drug abuse, and undergoing treatment and rehabilitation nationwide recorded a slight decline last year to 191,832, compared with 192,857 in the previous year. National Anti-Drug Agency director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said the figure represented a decrease of about 0.5%, but drug abuse continued to affect individuals across various age groups. Based on 2025 statistics, he noted that no drug addiction cases involving children aged between five and 12 were recorded, compared with three cases in 2024. Meanwhile, the number of addicts among teenagers aged 13 to 18 declined to 1,213 from 1,255 previously. “For the youth category aged 19 to 39, a total of 112,632 addicts were recorded last year compared with 116,254 in 2024, while the number among adults aged 40 to 59 increased to 72,590 from 70,188. “For senior citizens aged 60 and above, the number also rose to 5,397 compared with 5,166 in 2024,” he said after the Jelajah Aspirasi Bebas Dadah (JABD) programme around Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman on Saturday. Ruslin stressed that although there was a slight decline last year, the situation did not mean the country was in a comfortable position as many people, especially parents, were still unfamiliar with the types and forms of drugs, including synthetic drugs. “Some are also unaware that electronic cigarette or vape liquids can be mixed with synthetic drugs, which pose a risk of addiction. The use of synthetic drugs can also have serious effects, including causing hallucinations that may prevent users from recognising family members or people around them.” He added that the JABD programme is a community-based national initiative implemented in stages at district, state and national levels to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs and promote a healthy lifestyle among grassroots communities. – Bernama Preacher, activist detected in Thailand BANGKOK: Independent preacher Zamri Vinoth and activist Tamim Dahri entered Thailand through an entry point in the southern region on Thursday. According to a Thai security source, the two entered the country by land via the Sungai Kolok entry point in Narathiwat, which borders Rantau Panjang in Kelantan, using valid travel documents. “Preliminary reports indicate that both individuals are still in southern Thailand,” the source told Bernama when contacted. On Saturday, IGP Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail confirmed Zamri and Tamim, who are being investigated in connection with several separate cases, had fled to Thailand. He added that efforts to trace the two individuals are being actively pursued with the assistance of Thai authorities. Investigations into Zamri over remarks he made at a gathering in Kuala Lumpur on Feb 7 have been referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC). The AGC subsequently issued instructions for him to be charged under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, which relates to statements conducive to public mischief with intent to cause, or likely to cause, fear or alarm to the public. In addition, investigations into Zamri over remarks deemed insulting towards the Indian community have been referred to the Penang Prosecution Office, with instructions for charges to be brought under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948. Meanwhile, the investigation paper involving Tamim over the act of damaging a soolam – a sacred symbol in Hinduism – at the former site of a temple in Langkawi, Kedah, has been referred to the Kedah Prosecution Office with instructions for charges under Section 295 of the Penal Code. – Bernama

than a year, but safety must come first. “We hope the situation stabilises soon so we can still carry out our pilgrimage later this year.” For Aishah (not her real name), the advisory also prompted a hard look at finances. “I’m hoping to go together with my family but with the current situation maybe it is best to postpone for now,” she said, noting conflicts often ripple through global markets. “I think the war could affect prices here in Malaysia as well. Things are already quite expensive and if the situation worsens, the cost of travel, flights and even daily necessities might increase.” She added that financial stability is a key consideration before committing to the pilgrimage. “So perhaps it is wiser to wait until the situation becomes more stable, both in terms of safety and the economy.” The advisory follows a call by Federal Territories Mufti Datuk Dr Ahmad Fauwaz Fadzil on Saturday urging Muslims to delay travel to conflict-affected areas until conditions are deemed safe. He said the guidance aligns with the syariah principle of preserving life ( hifz al nafs ), which prioritises safety when it cannot be guaranteed, and stressed authorities must prioritise public welfare in all decisions. Earlier, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan recommended Malaysians temporarily postpone umrah plans, citing the unstable security situation in West Asia.

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

and had already begun saving, although bookings had not yet been finalised. “For me, if not Haj, performing umrah with my children has always been a dream. “I am now 55 and planning to retire early, and my children are busy with work, so doing this pilgrimage together has always been on my bucket list,” she added. Despite the disappointment, Tina stressed safety must come first. “Yes, safety should always come first even if we have planned the trip for a long time. We must take care of ourselves and be cautious.” She also voiced concern about the broader economic impact of the conflict. “I cannot predict how long the war will last, but regardless, the global economy will be affected and many things could become more expensive.” For Hafizul Naim, 32, the advisory disrupted plans with his wife that were nearly finalised. “We hadn’t officially booked our umrah package yet, but we were very close to finalising everything before the war broke out.” The newlyweds had been looking forward to performing the pilgrimage together as a meaningful start to their married life. “Of course, I feel disappointed because my wife and I have been planning this trip for more

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians planning to perform umrah are grappling with disappointment and uncertainty after the government advised travellers to postpone trips to the Middle East amid escalating regional tensions. For many would-be pilgrims, the advisory means putting aside long-held family aspirations while others worry the wider economic fallout could drive up travel costs and strain household finances. For Tina Abdullah, 55, the news was a heavy blow. She had hoped to perform umrah with her children for the first time, a pilgrimage she had dreamed of for years. “I have been planning to perform umrah with my family for years, especially with my children who have never been before. Learning about the war was deeply upsetting for us.” Still, she believes there may be a larger purpose behind the delay. “We take it as a sign that maybe it is not yet our rezeki (destined provision from God). I believe Allah has a better plan for us.” Tina had planned to travel later this year

Travel agencies told to help pilgrims postpone trips KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Muslim Travel Agency Association has urged travel agencies under its umbrella to be flexible in assisting pilgrims who wish to postpone their umrah trips following the conflict in West Asia. postpone their trips as a precaution, while most are proceeding with their plans, with the situation in Makkah and Madinah remaining under control,” he told Bernama. independently should be extra cautious, as they will not have direct support from the agency in an emergency,” he said. He noted that Ramadan and Syawal are peak periods for Muslims worldwide performing umrah .

Nuh Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Adam Jalal said the agency is offering pilgrims the option to postpone their trips to the next season, subject to airline and hotel approval. He also advised pilgrims who plan to continue their journeys to take out the highest level of insurance to cover unexpected risks, such as being stranded due to sudden airspace closures. “For flights without a postponement option, we proceed as planned, but pilgrims are made aware of the risks. Those travelling

Its president Muhammad Syazri Afiq Rosli said umrah operations were continuing as usual with no official suspension order. However, the industry is closely monitoring developments and stands ready to reschedule trips at pilgrims’ request. “The association encourages agencies to assist pilgrims wherever possible, including changing travel dates, though this depends on the policies of the airlines and hotels involved. “So far, only a few pilgrims have asked to

Perak Deputy Mufti Datuk Zamri Hashim said travel safety is a key factor in determining a person’s istita’ah – the ability to perform umrah without causing undue hardship to oneself or one’s family. “If a journey is considered unsafe because of war, it is better to postpone. From a fiqh aulawiyat perspective, funds meant for repeated umrah trips could be redirected to those in greater need, such as aid for Palestine.”

CLOSER LOOK ... Road Transport Department Terengganu director Mohd Zamri Samion (second from left) inspecting a motorcycle that had been extensively modified during a special operation for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive season at the Terengganu Drawbridge in Kuala Terengganu. – BERNAMAPIC