Elderly pilgrim collapses in Mina as heat hits 44°C
MAKKAH: A Bangladeshi pilgrim collapsed in front of an international media accommodation in Mina yesterday as temperatures soared to 44°C, highlighting the severe heat challenges faced by millions of Muslims performing haj this year.
The incident occurred about 3pm along King Abdullah Road here, where several media personnel, including Malaysians, were waiting for assignment transport.
The elderly man, still in his ihram garments, appeared disoriented and breathless before being helped by journalists who offered water and shade.
Recognising signs of possible heatstroke, they poured cold water over him and gave him water to drink in an attempt to stabilise him.
While waiting for medical assistance, the man suddenly collapsed. He was attended to again until health personnel arrived minutes later.
Emergency responders applied ice packs on his body and monitored his vital signs before taking him to a nearby healthcare facility for further treatment.
The incident highlights the physical toll of the pilgrimage amid extreme weather.
Temperatures yesterday ranged between 33°C and 44°C, with peak heat recorded between 9am and 3pm.
Pilgrims continued performing the stoning ritual on the three jamarat, part of the mandatory haj rites for the 11th,12th and 13th Zulhijjah.
Due to the extreme weather, government advisories have urged pilgrims to avoid the outdoors during peak hours. But many were still seen moving between 10am and 4pm.
In anticipation of the intense heat, Saudi authorities have introduced various mitigation strategies, including cloud seeding to induce rain, widespread misting stations, free drinking water, and fully equipped health facilities.
Educational campaigns have also been launched to encourage pilgrims to wear light clothing, stay hydrated and reduce physical activity during the day.
These measures, along with the swift actions of first responders, have helped reduce the number of heat-related incidents this haj season.
Today, pilgrims are expected to continue with the stoning ritual. Those choosing Nafar Awal will begin leaving Mina for Makkah before sunset to complete the remaining haj obligations — tawaf, sa'ie, and tahallul.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Elderly pilgrim collapses in Mina as heat hits 44°C
MAKKAH: A Bangladeshi pilgrim collapsed in front of an international media accommodation in Mina yesterday as temperatures soared to 44°C, highlighting the severe heat challenges faced by millions of Muslims performing haj this year. The incident occurred about 3pm along King Abdullah Road here, where several media personnel, including Malaysians, were waiting for assignment transport. The elderly man, still in his ihram garments, appeared disoriented and breathless before being helped by journalists who offered water and shade. Recognising signs of possible heatstroke, they poured cold water over him and gave him water to drink in an attempt to stabilise him. While waiting for medical assistance, the man suddenly collapsed. He was attended to again until health personnel arrived minutes later. Emergency responders applied ice packs on his body and monitored his vital signs before taking him to a nearby healthcare facility for further treatment. The incident highlights the physical toll of the pilgrimage amid extreme weather. Temperatures yesterday ranged between 33°C and 44°C, with peak heat recorded between 9am and 3pm. Pilgrims continued performing the stoning ritual on the three jamarat, part of the mandatory haj rites for the 11th,12th and 13th Zulhijjah. Due to the extreme weather, government advisories have urged pilgrims to avoid the outdoors during peak hours. But many were still seen moving between 10am and 4pm. In anticipation of the intense heat, Saudi authorities have introduced various mitigation strategies, including cloud seeding to induce rain, widespread misting stations, free drinking water, and fully equipped health facilities. Educational campaigns have also been launched to encourage pilgrims to wear light clothing, stay hydrated and reduce physical activity during the day. These measures, along with the swift actions of first responders, have helped reduce the number of heat-related incidents this haj season. Today, pilgrims are expected to continue with the stoning ritual. Those choosing Nafar Awal will begin leaving Mina for Makkah before sunset to complete the remaining haj obligations — tawaf, sa'ie, and tahallul.
The Star
15 hours ago
- The Star
Stalwart's call to defend future generations
PETALING JAYA: The fight against tobacco is not just about eliminating a habit; it's about safeguarding our future generations, says NV Subbarow (pic), a stalwart of Malaysia's anti-smoking movement. As an education officer with the Consumers Association of Penang, Subbarow has spent nearly 35 years championing tobacco control, recently earning the prestigious Tobacco Control Icon Award from the Health Ministry during the 2025 National Tobacco Control Conference and the national-level World No Tobacco Day celebration. His work, which involves conducting lectures, interactive sessions, and discussions with students to highlight the dangers of smoking and vaping, has had a tangible impact that has seen many young Malaysians abandon these harmful habits. Subbarow's journey began with a focus on traditional cigarettes, but as the landscape of tobacco use evolved, so did his strategies. 'When I started, it was just cigarettes. Now, the rise of disposable vapes presents a new challenge. 'These devices, often marketed in enticing flavours and easily accessible, have become a simple and inexpensive alternative for many, particularly the youth,' he said, adding that his interactions revealed a concerning trend. 'Children as young as eight or nine have been experimenting with vapes left unattended by family members. 'It's shocking when children say they were encouraged to try these gadgets under the guise of fruit flavours,' he said, highlighting a disturbing trend of rural vapers mixing substances like drugs and stimulants with the vaporiser's liquid. To achieve both educational and cautionary results, Subbarow said he uses vivid imagery of nicotine's effects and the dangers of e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (Evali) to drive home the risks. 'Seeing these images often frightens students into quitting immediately,' he said, adding that the fear of having erectile dysfunction also works among older male students. As Subbarow looks to the future, his resolve is unshaken. Subbarow draws inspiration from figures such as the late SM Mohd Idris, the former president of CAP, and Dr Mary Assunta, an internationally renowned tobacco control researcher, whose legacies fuel his unwavering determination. 'Winning the award doesn't stop my campaign. I've got five more school programmes lined up after the holidays. 'I won't give up until Malaysia is smoke-free,' he said, adding that 20 students are currently seeking his guidance to quit vaping. So far, he has reached about 30,000 individuals, including students, undergraduates, and youths from various backgrounds. Teachers and parents have called him to convey their gratitude, sharing stories of how their children have abandoned the smoking culture. Subbarow also called for stronger policies, including the Generational Endgame Bill aimed at a tobacco-free society by 2040. 'Without action, the vape culture will lead to more drug addicts in our country. 'The Malaysian government cannot wait further to implement a total ban on smoking and vaping products, whether they come with flavours or otherwise. 'State governments that delay action are sitting on a ticking time bomb, creating a critical issue,' he said.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Today's news in pictures - Saturday, June 7, 2025
MISSED what happened today? Here's a glimpse at what happened throughout the country in photographs. KUALA LUMPUR - The contractor is installing lights on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. NSTP/AMIRUDIN SAHIB KOTA KINABALU – Members of the public perform the Aidiladha sunnah prayer in heavy rain at the Sabah State Mosque. NSTP/MOHD ADAM ARININ PUTRAJAYA – Muslims attending the Aidiladha sunnah prayer at Putra Mosque. NSTP/MOHD FADLI HAMZAH PIC 4 - PORT KLANG – The process of salvaging a capsized boat in the waters of Tanjung Harapan, Port Klang. NSTP/FAIZ ANUAR PUCHONG – A heavyweight Limousin-breed cow weighing over 1.2 tonnes at the Grand Qurban Ceremony & Kenduri Rewang organized by Ikhlas Com Travel & Umrah Sdn Bhd ( and ST Rosyam Mart at Masjid Meranti, Puchong. STR/HAZREEN MOHAMAD AMPANG - Selangor Infrastructure and Agriculture Exco, who is also the State Assemblyman for Pandan Indah, Datuk Ir Izham Hashim (second from left, back) speaks with residents of Sri Pinang Villa during a visit to the Qurban Ceremony around the Pandan Indah constituency. NSTP/EFFENDY RASHID
