Tabung Haji (TH) sent a second official letter to the Saudi Arabian government yesterday, appealing for an additional quota of 10,00O Haj pilgrims from Malaysia to the Holy Land this year.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Jamil Khir Baharum said the second letter was sent as there had been no reply to TH’s first appeal letter.

“The existing quota for Malaysia is 28,000 pilgrims and we hope for an additionl quota of 10,000,” he told reporters when met at an Aidilfitri open house at the Guar Chempedak multipurpose hall in Yan today.

The minister is also appealing for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to assist TH in its effort to obtain the additional quota, to enable more Muslims from Malaysia to perform the Haj this year.

He said besides available infrastructure and facilities, the conduct of Malaysians during Haj and Umrah were also considerations for the Saudi Arabian government in deciding whether to give Malaysia an additional quota.

The recent issue of a number of Malaysian Umrah pilgrims overstaying in Mecca was also a matter of concern for the Saudi Arabian government, he added.

In light of these issues, he advised all Malaysian pilgrims leaving for the Haj from Sept 17, to observe discipline, follow the rules set by TH and not to get involved in any illegal demonstration when in the Holy Land.

Jamil Khir, meanwhile, also reminded the people not to insult the religions of others, whether verbally, in writing or on films as this could result in violence and killings like what happened in Benghazi, Libya yesterday.

He was referring to the killing of United States ambassador to Libya, J Christopher Stevens and three officials during a mob attack in protest against the film, ‘ Innocence of Islam’ , deemed offensive to Islam. The film also triggered a violent protest in Cairo, Egypt.

The film, said to be directed by Sam Bacile, 52, from California, and the trailer for which was carried by YouTube , was reported to be used by American anti-Islam extremist Terry Jones who had previously created controversy by wanting to burn the Quran, causing outrage and protests all over the world.

“Religion is a very sensitive issue and hence, people must respect each other’s religion to prevent any untoward incident such as in Benghazi, yesterday,” said Jamil Khir.

Earlier, he handed over the keys to a new house costing RM30,000 to Choo Sin Kooi, 58, in Kampung Padang Makau, in Yan, as his old house was so dilapidated.

- Bernama