Latest news with #Affandi


The Star
28-04-2025
- The Star
Warm welcome for Malaysia's first batch of haj pilgrims, says TH
Not to be missed: Pilgrims visiting the Prophet's Mosque in the holy city of Medina, Saudi Arabia. — Bernama MEDINA: Preparations are all set to receive the first batch of Malaysian pilgrims who will arrive in Saudi Arabia to perform their haj. Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) director of Medina operations and vice-consul for Malaysian haj affairs Affandi Abdullah said that TH is in its final stages of preparations to give a warm welcome to the first group of pilgrims who will be arriving in Medina today. More than 31,600 Malaysians are expected to perform their haj for this year's season and they are expected to fly into Saudi Arabia between April 29 and June 1. 'We will celebrate the arrival of the first batch with much pomp to create the vibes needed to make them feel that they are indeed guests of God, the term TH uses to call haj pilgrims. 'They will stay in Medina for six days and five nights before they move to Mecca. The stay here is akin to retracing Prophet Muhammad's haj pilgrimage, when he departed from Medina to Mecca. 'The pilgrims will be given tours to historical places while undergoing classes and briefings on the dos and don'ts of haj. They will depart for Mecca on the seventh day. 'Throughout the haj season, TH will station personnel across various zones, covering financial services, counselling, health and customer service. 'A health clinic will be opened at the TH headquarters in Roha Al Madinah to further facilitate the arrival of the pilgrims. 'This is an annual operation and more than 50% of TH personnel are experienced to ensure that everyone is well-prepared to receive this year's first group of prospective haj pilgrims,' said Affandi. He said this to the Malaysian media group after checking on the lodging for the pilgrims in Medina. This year, TH pilgrims would be placed mainly at the Emaar Royal Hotel Madinah, Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick and Saja Al Madinah. Affandi said that as in most years, this year's pilgrims would mostly be women, and that the minimum age for haj pilgrims is 18.


New Straits Times
26-04-2025
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Prepare for hot weather in Madinah, Malaysian haj pilgrims told
MADINAH: Malaysian haj pilgrims should be prepared to face hot weather, with temperatures reaching up to 45 degrees Celsius, while in the Holy City of Madinah. Tabung Haji operations director in Madinah, Affandi Abdullah also reminded pilgrims for the 1446H season to maintain their health and drink sufficient water to avoid dehydration. "This year, the weather is hot and dry, with temperatures expected to exceed 45 degrees Celsius, and so far, the temperature in Madinah has only reached 41 degrees Celsius. "If we enter the month of May, the weather is expected to be even hotter. "Previously, the temperature had reached up to 49 degrees Celsius. So, pilgrims need to prepare mentally and physically for the current weather conditions when performing their worship," he said at a press conference here today. Affandi also advised haj pilgrims to adhere to regulations set by the Saudi Arabia authorities as well as Tabung Haji, including when staying in accommodation buildings, throughout their time in the Holy Land. He also said the haj season this year involves two phases including pilgrims entering Madinah, with 45 per cent of the total 31,600 pilgrims entering the Holy City first, while in the second phase, pilgrims will enter Madinah from Makkah after wuquf. -- Bernama


The Sun
26-04-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
Malaysian haj pilgrims should be prepared for hot weather when in Madinah
MADINAH: Malaysian haj pilgrims should be prepared to face hot weather, with temperatures reaching up to 45 degrees Celsius, while in the Holy City of Madinah. Tabung Haji operations director in Madinah, Affandi Abdullah also reminded these pilgrims that for the 1446H season to maintain their health and drink sufficient water to avoid dehydration. 'This year, the weather is hot and dry, with temperatures expected to exceed 45 degrees Celsius, and so far, the temperature in Madinah has only reached 41 degrees Celsius. If we enter the month of May, the weather is expected to be even hotter. 'Previously, the temperature had reached up to 49 degrees Celsius. So, pilgrims are advised to prepare mentally and physically for the current weather conditions when performing their worship,' he said at a press conference here today. Affandi also advised haj pilgrims to adhere to regulations set by the Saudi Arabia authorities as well as Tabung Haji. including when staying in accommodation buildings, throughout their time in the Holy Land. He also said the haj season this year involves two phases including pilgrims entering Madinah, with 45 per cent of the total 31,600 pilgrims entering the Holy City first, while in the second phase, pilgrims will enter Madinah from Makkah after wuquf.


The Sun
26-04-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
Malaysian haj pilgrims should be prepared for hot weather
MADINAH: Malaysian haj pilgrims should be prepared to face hot weather, with temperatures reaching up to 45 degrees Celsius, while in the Holy City of Madinah. Tabung Haji operations director in Madinah, Affandi Abdullah also reminded these pilgrims that for the 1446H season to maintain their health and drink sufficient water to avoid dehydration. 'This year, the weather is hot and dry, with temperatures expected to exceed 45 degrees Celsius, and so far, the temperature in Madinah has only reached 41 degrees Celsius. If we enter the month of May, the weather is expected to be even hotter. 'Previously, the temperature had reached up to 49 degrees Celsius. So, pilgrims are advised to prepare mentally and physically for the current weather conditions when performing their worship,' he said at a press conference here today. Affandi also advised haj pilgrims to adhere to regulations set by the Saudi Arabia authorities as well as Tabung Haji. including when staying in accommodation buildings, throughout their time in the Holy Land. He also said the haj season this year involves two phases including pilgrims entering Madinah, with 45 per cent of the total 31,600 pilgrims entering the Holy City first, while in the second phase, pilgrims will enter Madinah from Makkah after wuquf.