KUALA LUMPUR — Five Malaysians have been arrested by Saudi haj security forces for allegedly attempting to enter the holy city of Makkah through unpaved roads and valleys without valid haj permits.
According to reports published by the Saudi Gazette, legal action has been initiated against the individuals for violating regulations governing the 2026 haj season.
Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Mujahideen reportedly warned that those who fail to comply with haj regulations would face strict legal penalties as authorities tighten security and monitoring measures.
In a separate case, the Saudi Gazette also reported that Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior had penalised four expatriates and three Saudi citizens for transporting 13 pilgrims into Makkah without haj permits.
The group was arrested at entry checkpoints leading into the holy city.
Authorities said those found facilitating unauthorised entry into Makkah could face fines of up to SR100,000, imprisonment, and public naming of offenders in local media at their own expense.
Saudi authorities have stepped up enforcement efforts in recent years to manage crowd control and ensure only authorised pilgrims enter Makkah during the haj season. – May 20, 2026