MADINAH, April 29 – Malaysians who are currently in the Holy Land are strongly advised to return to Malaysia immediately if they do not possess a valid Hajj visa, in order to avoid facing legal action by the Saudi Arabian authorities.

The Head of the Malaysian Consulate in Jeddah, Roslan Shariff, stated that individuals who breach the regulations related to Hajj permits may be subjected to strict penalties, in accordance with new laws implemented by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Home Affairs.

“Failure to adhere to local laws will carry serious consequences, including a fine of up to 20,000 Saudi Riyals, deportation from the country before being able to perform Hajj, and a ban from entering Saudi Arabia for a period of 10 years.

“The fines and penalties being enforced now are significantly harsher than those imposed previously,” he said during a press conference held after welcoming the arrival of Malaysian Hajj pilgrims to the Holy Land.

He further explained that the Saudi Arabian authorities have enforced a ban on all individuals who do not hold a valid Hajj permit, including those who are in the country on visit visas, from entering or being present in Mecca and the surrounding Holy Land area during the entire Hajj season.