KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 11 (Bernama) — The government will not restrict pilgrims from performing the hajj or umrah although the number of Influenza A(H1N1) cases in the country has increased.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Senator Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim said since the government had not received any restriction order from the Saudi Arabian government, pilgrims were free to perform the hajj or umrah.
“If we receive any directive from the Saudi government, then we will decide on the next course of action with regards to pilgrims performing the hajj or umrah,” after launching the National Zakat month and Seminar at the Putra World Trade Centre here on Monday.
Early this month, the Iran government had banned Iranians from performing umrah during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, as a precautionary measure against the widespread of H1N1.
Dr Mashitah said though the number of deaths, due to H1N1 had increased in the country, the situation was under control.