Two more Malaysian pilgrims die in Mecca
Two more Malaysian pilgrims have passed away in the Holy Land, bringing the total number of haj-related deaths to seven, according to Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Na'im Mokhtar.
He said the sixth death involved a female pilgrim from Terengganu, Siti Hawa Ibrahim, 64, who was staying at Maktab 85A, Land Premium. She passed away at...
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The Star
44 minutes ago
- The Star
Divers must reinforce safety practices, says Sabah Dive Squad Club
KOTA KINABALU: Divers must reinforce best practices for safety and environmental reasons, says the Sabah Dive Squad Club. Club president Sim Fui stated that, given the recent scuba diving fatalities, they have organised a safety awareness talk to reinforce best practices among members. He emphasised that safety must always be the top priority for divers, and regular reminders, refresher courses, or awareness talks are necessary. "Every certified diver is taught the correct procedures during training, and the number one rule is always to return safely," he said in a statement on Saturday (June 7). "Unfortunately, recent incidents show that some divers are disregarding these procedures with fatal consequences," Sim added. Last week, a 33-year-old Malaysian man from Kuala Lumpur died while diving off Pulau Weh near Sabang in Indonesia, after reportedly panicking in strong undercurrents. In May, two Chinese nationals also lost their lives in separate scuba diving accidents in Sabah waters. "One was an unsupervised tourist who drowned while diving off Sipadan in Semporna, and the other, a certified divemaster, drowned after attempting to retrieve a lost camera near Kakaban Island," Sim said. "These tragic incidents could have been avoided had proper safety guidelines been followed," he added. The diving safety awareness talk scheduled for July 20 aims to prevent further loss of life and remind members of the importance of adhering to established procedures. Sim said the club has appointed two experts to lead the session: Lt Col (Dr) Eugene Tan Choon Li as scuba diving medical adviser and First Warrant Officer Almudi Eskal as technical diving adviser. Dr Eugene is an internal medicine specialist and diving medical officer at the Kota Kinabalu Regional Armed Forces Hospital. Almudi is the Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Department Chief Supervisor at the Armed Forces Hospital and is also an Army Submarine Escape Instructor. Both will discuss medical emergencies related to diving and offer guidance on technical skills and safe diving practices, Sim said. More information about the talk will be shared on the Sabah Dive Squad Club's Facebook page.
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Elderly pilgrims show unwavering spirit in stoning ritual despite physical challenges
MINA: Under the searing desert sun and through the physically demanding masyair phase of haj, elderly Malaysian pilgrims have shown extraordinary endurance and spiritual resolve, overcoming long distances and physical limitations to complete the stoning ritual at Jamrah Kubra. The masyair phase, considered the spiritual pinnacle of haj, involves a five-day journey from Arafah to Muzdalifah and Mina, between the 8th and 13th of Zulhijjah. For the many elderly pilgrims, it is a test of both faith and physical resilience, one they are meeting with quiet determination. Among them is 78-year-old Asiah Abu Bakar, who completed the ritual after walking nearly eight kilometres to and from her tent in Mina, a journey that took about an hour each way. "Alhamdulillah, I'm very happy to have completed the stoning of the seven pebbles at Jamrah Kubra. Receiving the call to perform haj was already a great joy, but being able to perform the ritual myself, despite my limitations, is a blessing,' she said when met on Friday (June 6). Her daughter Nor Azilah Abdul Shatar, 52, said her mother had spent decades preparing spiritually, from daily Quran recitations to early morning tahajjud prayers, while also saving diligently for the pilgrimage. "She's been planning for this journey for many years. Alhamdulillah, my family received the call, including my father Abdul Shatar Umar, 81, and my brother Abdul Arif Anuar, 54,' she said. Also fulfilling a lifelong dream is Yaakob Bador, 79, who finally received his haj quota after nearly 25 years of waiting. A retired factory worker from Kuala Lumpur, he had painstakingly saved for decades to make the trip. "I'm just a factory worker, but I prayed and saved for this opportunity for a long time. I hope my haj is mabrur (accepted) and that others will also have the chance to come. I feel so happy to be here,' he said, his voice overcome with emotion. Throughout the ritual, Yaakob was assisted by fellow pilgrim and roommate Mohd Hafeiz Mohd Latiff, 42, who has grown close to the older man during the journey. Expressing gratitude for the chance to support fellow pilgrims, Hafeiz said Yaakob had become like a father figure to him during their time together. "Maybe I couldn't come with my own father, but I treat and help these two like they are my own parents,' he said, his voice thick with emotion. "They're able to walk on their own, but they still need some guidance, someone to show the way. I made sure to stay with them and help every step of the journey," he added.- Bernama
The Star
2 hours ago
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MMEA: 203 people rescued in 108 search operations up to May
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