The first batch of pilgrims returned from Saudi Arabia yesterday to joyous reunions with their families after a month-long journey to complete the haj.
The first batch of returnees comprising 252 haj pilgrims, including four officers from the Haj Management Office, landed at the Brunei International Airport, with more expected to arrive today.
Upon clearing immigration and entering the arrival hall, the pilgrims embraced family members and friends, happy for their safe return.
Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman; Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof; and Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar greeted the pilgrims on arrival.
Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan and Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Brunei Darussalam Emad bin Abdul Aziz bin Saad Al Muhanna were also present, along with senior government officers and prominent community figures.
Around 1,035 pilgrims from the Sultanate performed the haj this season. – Azlan Othman
