Berakas: The Government of Brunei Darussalam has expressed its highest appreciation and gratitude to the Government of Saudi Arabia for selecting the country as one of the beneficiaries of the Makkah Route Initiative. This effort reflects the continued commitment to providing optimal service to the Dhuyufurrahman, or guests of Allah. This sentiment was expressed by Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Awang Haji Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Awang Haji Othman, Minister of Religious Affairs, during the official ceremony for the Implementation of the Makkah Route Initiative at Brunei International Airport.
According to Radio Television Brunei, His Excellency Lieutenant General Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al Yahya, the Chairman of the Supervisory Committee for the Makkah Route Initiative and Advisor to the Minister of Interior of Saudi Arabia, announced that Brunei Darussalam is the 11th country worldwide to implement the Makkah Route initiative. This initiative allows pilgrims to be treated as VIP guests, eliminating the need to undergo immigration procedures upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
His Excellency Saleh bin Abdulkarim Al-Shiha, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Saudi Arabia designate to Brunei Darussalam, elaborated on the objective of the initiative, which is to facilitate the journey of Haj pilgrims by completing all entry procedures into Saudi Arabia directly from Brunei International Airport.
The event was also attended by notable figures including Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Retired Major General Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister of Defence; Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar, Minister of Health; and Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications.