Debated in Parliament on 18 Sep 2023.
Dr Wan Rizal asked the Minister for Social and Family Development and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (a) based on the recent haj season, what is the number of Singapore pilgrims requiring wheelchair assistance or medical support; (b) how does this number compare with previous seasons; and (c) what additional medical and mobility support services are being planned for future haj seasons to cater to such needs.
During the Haj 2023 season, about 180 Singapore pilgrims required wheelchair assistance to perform the Haj.
The Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) does not keep records of Singapore pilgrims requiring wheelchair assistance in previous seasons. The number of pilgrims requiring wheelchair assistance during the Haj 2022 season would likely have been lower, as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah only allowed individuals under 65 years of age to perform the Haj due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
MUIS will engage the Association of Muslim Travel Agents Singapore and MUIS-appointed Haj travel agents on measures to address medical and mobility support requirements in preparation for the Haj 2024 season.
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