Almost 17,000 M’sian pilgrims now in Makkah
A total of 16,944 Malaysian pilgrims have arrived in Makkah, with 11 days to go before the day of Wukuf, which is expected to be on Sept 22 (9 Zulhijjah, 1436H).
Head of Malaysian haj delegation Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman said the figure represented 76 percent of the total 22,320 Malaysian pilgrims expected to perform the pilgrimage this year.
“All the Malaysian pilgrims (in Saudi Arabia) are currently in Makkah, with 13 flights left (to arrive from Malaysia), and the last flight is scheduled to arrive in Jeddah on Sept 16,” he told reporters in Makkah today.
Syed Saleh, who is also senior general manager of Tabung Haji (TH), said all TH services in Makkah were now fully operational and the focus was now more on preparations for the ‘masyair’ (movement of pilgrims to Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina).
He said two briefing sessions would be held for the pilgrims soon, one of which related to the performance of haj rituals and the other, on masyair operation.
“Our pilgrims will stay for six days and five nights in Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina, they need to strengthen their knowledge on the haj rituals, besides taking care of their health.
“The temperature in Makkah now exceeds 40 degrees Celsius, with anticipated rains and sandstorms. Pilgrims are advised to reduce outdoor activities to avoid untoward incidents.
“The TH (patrol) officers have also been stationed around the Masjidil Haram (Grand Mosque), as well as along the route between the college (hostels) to the mosque. They will advise pilgrims to stay in the college or in the mosque when there is rain or sandstorms, which so far (sandstorm) has occurred once (on Tuesday),” he said.
Meanwhile, the delegation’s deputy chief (medicine) Dr Ahmad Faudzi Yusoff had urged pilgrims to prioritise healthcare in preparation to perform the haj rituals.
“Most of the pilgrims who have sought treatment at hospitals, clinics and TH treatment centers are suffering from breathing problems and cough. They should reduce outdoor activities and drink plenty of water,” he added.
- Bernama
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