18/03/2026

WEDNESDAY | MAR 18, 2026

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Umrah pilgrims advised to maintain travel plans

Pos Malaysia expects boost in parcel volume during Aidilfitri KUALA LUMPUR: Pos Malaysia Bhd expects parcel volumes to increase by between 15% and 20% during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri period this year compared with ordinary months, driven largely by purchases of Raya clothing and hijabs . The national courier company said the festive season typically brings a significant surge in parcel volumes during the Ramadan-to-Hari Raya period, well above its normal monthly run rate. Group CEO Charles Brewer said the increase is also supported by e-commerce campaigns, festive gifting and last-minute shipping before cutoff dates as Malaysians prepare for the celebration. He said Pos Malaysia maintains year-round operational readiness to ensure smooth deliveries nationwide, particularly during festive periods when parcel volumes rise significantly. “As with every Hari Raya season, we anticipate an increase in parcel volumes and are fully prepared to manage the surge operationally while continuing to meet our market-leading parcel service level agreements.” He also said to ensure parcels reach recipients on time for Aidilfitri celebrations, Pos Malaysia has implemented several measures, including advanced volume forecasting and demand planning using AI, close customer engagement to anticipate surges and clear communication of Raya shipping cutoff dates. He added that the company conducts continuous operational monitoring, adjusts manpower and schedules during the Raya period, and ramps up external delivery capacity where necessary to meet peak demand. – Bernama Mosque pit stop set up for p-hailing riders KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Territory Mosque has introduced the Barakah Pit Stop, offering motorcyclists and p-hailing riders a place to rest and recharge during their journeys. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the initiative offers phone charging stations, as well as complimentary food and drinks during Ramadan. “I know how tiring it can be because I used to ride a motorcycle to work myself. That is why the mosque is the perfect place for them to stop, rest, recharge and feel closer to Allah.” He expressed gratitude to the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council, the mosque management and organisation Pertubuhan Kebajikan Prihatin Insan Kuala Lumpur dan Selangor for their commitment in making the initiative a success. Zulkifli added that the council has handed over a cheque of RM105,000 to the organisation to support the programme, ensuring zakat benefits reach those in need directly. “ Insha Allah , this initiative will be expanded to other mosques.”– Bernama

PETALING Malaysians planning to perform umrah have been urged to proceed calmly with their pilgrimage as travel agencies said journeys to Saudi Arabia remain safe and operational despite heightened tensions in parts of the Middle East. Industry players said the vast majority of pilgrims are continuing as scheduled, with only a small number opting for last-minute cancellations. A Titim Travel Sdn Bhd representative, who wished to be known only as Ustaz Afiq, said pilgrims with confirmed bookings for March and April should proceed as planned. “For pilgrims who have already made payments, flights and arrangements are confirmed and secure, with bookings for hotels, airlines and visas all in place. “While cancellations are possible, we advise pilgrims to continue as planned because last-minute cancellations would result in forfeited payments.” Concerns over umrah travel surfaced after Federal Territories mufti Datuk Dr Ahmad Fauwaz JAYA: o Flights and arrangements confirmed and secure, with bookings for hotels, airlines and visas in place: Titim Travel Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

“Direct flights to Jeddah and Madinah via Malaysia Airlines, Saudia and Oman Air continue to operate as usual. “Pilgrims should not panic and are advised to stay in touch with their travel agencies for any updates,” he said. He cautioned against hasty cancellations, noting the financial implications involved. “Pilgrims should not rush to cancel. The cost implications are significant, particularly for them, as Saudi Arabia has not closed its airspace or imposed travel restrictions. “If cancellation is necessary, we will advise them accordingly and explain the consequences. Otherwise, travel will proceed based on the agreed terms.” Both agencies said business remains largely stable, although demand typically softens ahead of Ramadan as Malaysians focus on preparations for Hari Raya. “The current situation has led to a slight slowdown in the umrah and tour market, but safety in Saudi Arabia remains assured. “Airlines will comply with directives from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation. Only if routes are officially closed will travel be affected.” For now, agencies maintain that pilgrims with confirmed bookings, particularly on direct flights, can proceed with confidence. They added that they would continue to monitor developments closely, keep clients informed and ensure all travel arrangements adhere to safety requirements. While regional tensions persist, Malaysians undertaking umrah this season can proceed with caution but without undue fear, guided by travel operators and the safeguards put in place by Saudi authorities.

Afiq said as long as Saudi authorities have not restricted entry for umrah or haj, and airlines continue to operate, there is no cause for alarm. – SUNPIC

“Everything appears safe for March and April departures. From my own experience returning from Jeddah on March 4, travel was smooth and uneventful.” Maghfirah Travel and Tours Sdn Bhd CEO Fakrur Radzi Mohd Omar also noted that Malaysian pilgrims in Mecca and Madinah are carrying out their religious duties without disruption. “Pilgrims are safe and able to perform their religious obligations.” He said the only operational challenges so far have involved flights transiting through Doha and Dubai, where certain routes have faced temporary disruptions.

Fadzil on Saturday advised Muslims to defer travel to conflict-affected areas in the Middle East until conditions improve. However, Afiq stressed that as long as Saudi authorities have not restricted entry for umrah or haj , and airlines continue to operate, there is no cause for alarm. “We trust that the Saudi government has taken the necessary precautionary measures and heightened security to a vigilant level.” He added that only a small minority of pilgrims have cancelled their trips, fully aware that their payments are non-refundable.

Raya spending stays steady in last-minute shopping rush JOHOR BAHRU: Aidilfitri spending remains resilient, with bustling shopping districts in Johor and Kelantan drawing crowds despite a stronger ringgit and a surge in last-minute buying. Johor continues to be a preferred destination for Singaporeans shopping for Aidilfitri essentials, even as the strengthening ringgit has slightly narrowed their currency advantage. “Last year, that amount would get around RM1,328 but now it is about RM1,232. But Johor remains our choice because of the wide selection and value for money.” Siti Sharmella Mustapha, 38, said her family increased their budget this year to SG$350, up from SG$310. “We usually make several trips during Ramadan to prepare for Raya. The children enjoy it because the atmosphere is livelier and the facilities here are family-friendly.” In Kota Bharu, the final days of Ramadan have triggered a surge in last-minute shopping, with rows of stalls packed as shoppers rush to complete their preparations. husband Mahadi Deraman, 69, to buy several kurtas as gifts for pondok students. She said the purchases were made at the last minute to add to earlier buys, drawn by promotional prices. Clothing trader Mohd Lokman Mohd Nor, 55, said promotions have been running since the start of Ramadan, with customer numbers rising towards the end of the fasting month.

“One trip was not enough, so we came several times. There is a greater variety of items and they suit our family’s preferences. In fact, we started shopping from the first week of Ramadan.” Sirajudin Ab Mutalib, 47, prefers weekday visits, spending up to SG$420 on clothing, home decor and kitchenware. “Weekdays are less hectic, making it easier to browse and compare prices.” Muhammad Hidafi, 34, said the festive atmosphere in Johor has become part of his family’s Ramadan routine.

A Bernama check in front of Masjid Jamek Muhammadi and at Pasar Siti Khadijah found shopping areas growing livelier since morning, with crowds picking up new clothes and festive treats ahead of Syawal. Che Khadijah Che Yusof, 44, said work commitments meant that she only managed to buy her children’s Raya clothing at the last minute. She said she bought outfits and shoes for her three children, along with extra sets for the second day of Aidilfitri. Zainun Abdul Rahman, 63, from Tumpat, said she came with her

A recent Bernama survey at Angsana Johor Bahru Mall found Singaporean shoppers still actively purchasing Raya outfits, festive treats and jewellery in the final days leading up to the celebration. As of yesterday, the exchange rate stands at about RM3.06 to SG$1, compared with around RM3.30 a year ago. For 35-year-old Qaseh Adalina Md Noor, the shift has not altered her family’s plans. They typically set aside SG$400 for Raya purchases.

Muhammad Mohd Asri, 27, said his stall opens from 9am until nearly midnight to meet demand. Raya cookie vendor Nor Azura Hassan, 45, said demand for traditional cookies has surged in the final days. The steady influx of Singaporean shoppers in Johor and the last-minute rush in Kota Bharu highlight sustained festive spending, offering a timely boost to retailers nationwide. – Bernama