Tabung Haji steps up heatstroke protection for pilgrims

The Star

30-05-2025

MECCA: Temperatures here have risen to nearly 50°C here, and Tabung Haji wants to ensure that Malaysian haj pilgrims are given adequate protection from heatstroke, especially at Arafah on June 5.
More than 31,600 Malaysian pilgrims, who have arrived weeks earlier in Mecca, will join more than two million others from around the world for the most important ritual called wukuf (ritual of standing before God) at Arafah, located about 8km from the Holy Mosque.
Tabung Haji Haj Department head Hisham Harun, who is also the head of the Malaysian haj entourage, said health and welfare facilities are in full operation to care for all Malaysian pilgrims.
It was reported that the Saudi Arabian government had sent out advisory notices that Friday sermons and prayers be shortened during the current haj season due to the intense heat in Mecca and Madinah.
'All the tents have been set up in Mina and Arafah. Each tent will have one clinic to attend to the pilgrims at any time.
'We have also stationed ambulances to ferry pilgrims to the nearest hospitals when required,' he said during an inspection tour of the Malaysian tents.
Haj pilgrims must spend the day on the plains of Arafah, pra­ying and supplicating as an obli­gatory ritual to complete the haj.
'Pilgrims are advised to stay in the tents in Mina and Arafah between 10am and 4pm (Mecca time) to avoid heatstroke.
Tabung Haji deputy head of haj delegation (Medical) Dr Hairul Izwan said that the clinics provi­ded for pilgrims this season are more spacious and comfortable.
'Pilgrims are advised to stay adequately hydrated throughout their time in the Masyair areas – in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina – as we are concerned that temperatures could reach up to 50°C,' he said.
Pilgrims can take immediate action if they see others suffering from dehydration, such as spraying water on the face, head, neck, under the armpits, or the entire body, he added.
On food preparation, Hisham said that there is strict adherence to the nutrition and cleanliness of the food served to the pilgrims throughout the more than 40-day period they spend in Mecca du­ring the haj season.
'Seven kitchens operate around the clock for the pilgrims stationed in five hotels in Mecca. We brought 17 Malaysian chefs, along with ingredients to ensure that pilgrims do not miss Malaysian cuisine,' he said, adding that more than two million meals are given to Malaysian pilgrims throughout the haj season this year.
Muslims in Malaysia will celebrate Aidiladha on June 7.