Religious Affairs Minister says health of haj pilgrim top priority as death of fifth M'sian recorded

The Star

4 days ago

MECCA: The Malaysian haj entourage recorded the fifth death of a pilgrim for this season with the death of a 60-year old man from Johor Saturday (May 31) morning (Mecca time).
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, who arrived in Mecca last night for the haj, announced this, saying that it was due to a heart attack, like the previous four.
'The pilgrim, Misnan Ahmad, passed away at the King Abdul Aziz Hospital at 7.50am on May 31 and was staying at the Diary As-Saad Building. His wife is also here with him, accompanying him for haj.
'Tabung Haji will do the necessary as was done for the earlier four pilgrims who passed away and assist his next-of-kin in their time of bereavement,' said Mohd Na'im.
In his first media conference after a briefing from Tabung Haji top management, Mohd Na'im said that Tabung Haji has a reputation to uphold after having been named the best haj managers for three years consecutively.
"I am satisfied with the operational management that has been carried out so far. I am also grateful that the majority of Malaysian haj pilgrims are currently in good condition and are pleased with the services provided by Tabung Haji.
"Tabung Haji's efficiency in haj management is consistently recognised as a world-class model and often serves as an example to the global Muslim community.
"This is proven by the fact that Tabung Haji has received the Labaittom Award from the government of Saudi Arabia for three consecutive years," said Mohd Na'im.
(The Saudi Arabian Labbaitom Award is given for the best haj guide service and programme in the Islamic world.)
He further called on Malaysian haj pilgrims to not be scammed by false promises of hajj visas.
"You have saved up for so many years for haj, do not be swayed by those sweet promises who claim that they can get you haj visas and lose your money," said Mohd Na'im.
He lamented that despite many reminders, there were still quite a number who get scammed every year during the haj season and left stranded.
Mohd Na'im further called on all Malaysian pilgrims to take care of their health and safety during their pilgrimage as temperatures rise to above 50°C.
"The day of Wuquf is now less than five days away. Operational preparations for the Masyair phase have been fully completed to welcome Malaysian haj pilgrims to the holy sites of Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina starting Wednesday (June 4), corresponding to 8 Dzulhijjah (Islamic calendar).
"We anticipate that the weather during this hajj season could reach up to 50°C, especially during the time of Wuquf on June 5.
"The Government of Saudi Arabia has recently recommended implementing a 'lockdown' from 10am to 4pm, advising pilgrims to remain inside their tents in Arafah and Mina to prevent the risk of heatstroke.
"Pilgrims are also advised to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration," said Mohd Na'im.
(In 2024, temperatures exceeded 51°C and there were over 1,300 pilgrim fatalities).
"I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Saudi Arabia Government, under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for enhancing stringent controls at all borders and entry points to the Masjid al-Haram to prevent the entry of individuals without valid haj visas.
"These measures are essential to safeguard the safety, well-being, and comfort of all haj pilgrims who have entered the Kingdom with proper authorisation," said Mohd Na'im.
More than 31,600 Malaysians are expected to perform hajj this year.