GOVT WON'T STOP PILGRIMS FROM PERFORMING HAJJ, UMRAH

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 11 (Bernama) -- The government will not restrict pilgrims
from performing the hajj or umrah although the number of Influenza A(H1N1) cases
in the country has increased.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Senator Dr Mashitah
Ibrahim said since the government had not received any restriction order from
the Saudi Arabian government, pilgrims were free to perform the hajj or umrah.

"If we receive any directive from the Saudi government, then we will decide
on the next course of action with regards to pilgrims performing the hajj or
umrah," she said after launching the National Zakat month and Seminar at the
Putra World Trade Centre here Tuesday.

Early this month, the Iran government had banned Iranians from performing
umrah during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, as a precautionary measure
against the widespread of H1N1.

Dr Mashitah said though the number of deaths, due to H1N1 had increased in
the country, the situation was under control.
-- BERNAMA