Eight Malaysian journalists to perform haj under Saudi Media Ministry initiative

New Straits Times

30-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Eight Malaysian media personnel have been selected to perform the fifth pillar of Islam – the haj pilgrimage – this year, courtesy of Saudi Arabia's Media Ministry.
The ministry's media facilitator, Datuk Izelan Basar, said over 500 media practitioners worldwide, including those from leading news organisations, are invited each year to take part in the pilgrimage and document the world's largest religious gathering.
The initiative by the ministry recognises global media professionals who have contributed to intellectual development, innovation, talent cultivation, and the strengthening of bilateral ties between Saudi Arabia and Islamic nations.
The initiative also aims to enhance collaboration between traditional, and new media, while delivering the values, experiences and spiritual significance of the haj to a broader international audience.
"This is also an acknowledgement of the media's broad digital presence, ability to disseminate information rapidly, and their role in positively shaping public understanding of the haj," Izelan said.
Among those invited is two-time Kajai Award-winning journalist Farrah Naz Karim, who is Media Prima Bhd's News and Current Affairs deputy group managing editor. She is also the New Straits Times group editor.
Farrah Naz is expected to be part of a panel at the Global Hajj Symposium to discuss The Future of Faith-Based Reporting: Coverage of Pilgrimages in a Digital Age. The June 1 event is organised by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Also in the Malaysian media haj delegation are Berita Harian news editor Adha Ghazali, as well as representatives from Bernama TV, TV AlHijrah, and Astro Oasis.
The group departed early this morning and is scheduled to return on June 12.
While in Jeddah, the delegates will be briefed on Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which has recorded strong progress, with 93 per cent of its key performance indicators achieved since the initiative was launched nine years ago.
The delegation is also expected to document features on the pilgrimage, highlighting the scale and behind-the-scenes preparations by Saudi Arabia in welcoming nearly two million pilgrims from more than 183 countries.
Riyadh has introduced various initiatives to ensure the highest standard of pilgrim management during the haj season, with a focus on enhancing the pilgrim experience, ensuring safety, and leveraging technology.
Key preparations include road infrastructure upgrades, public health measures, and the implementation of digital solutions for crowd management and information access.
These include providing a helpline for pilgrims to seek reliable religious support from a select group of some 300 qualified scholars and professional translators.
The Saudi government has also taken preventive measures against extreme heat, including planting more trees, expanding shaded walkways, and installing water stations and mist fans.