The Malaysian National News Agency’s (Bernama) said that the number of pilgrims in Malaysia this year is 30 thousand and 200 pilgrims, distributed across the Malaysian states, despite the claims to increase the number of pilgrims, which supposed that to the number of pilgrims Malaysians this year is to be 42 thousand and 200 pilgrims.

According to Malaysian information, the reason for the reduction in pilgrims is due to the tension between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, as Malaysia withdraws its forces from the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen.

Others believe that it is an attempt to pressure the Malaysian authorities on investigations into the corruption scandal which Saudi princes behind it.

Malaysia's defence minister has said that his country's new government will withdraw its troops from Saudi Arabia.

In a statement made to local media, Mohammed Sabu said that maintaining a military presence in the kingdom risked dragging Malaysia into a regional conflict.

Sabu noted Malaysian troops were not partaking in operations under way in Yemen, referring to a Saudi-led intervention in the neighbouring country.

"Malaysia has always maintained its neutrality. It has never pursued an aggressive foreign policy," Sabu told the government-owned Malaysian National News Agency.

The decision was made last week, Sabu said, adding that talks with the foreign ministry to determine the timing of the troops' return would soon begin.