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The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Making it easy to worship
Around 31,600 Malaysians from all states and from all walks of life were flown to Saudi Arabia for their Haj by Tabung Haji on 100 chartered flights. — Bernama MORE than two million Muslims gathered in Mecca this year for the Haj pilgrimage even as temperatures soared to 47°C. Of that number, 31,600 were Malaysians, coming from all states and from all walks of life, and ranging in age from 16 to 83 years old; they were all flown in by Tabung Haji on 100 chartered flights. Tabung Haji's Department of Haj head Hisham Harun said that this year, 632 personnel involved came from a cross-section of sectors, including hostels and zones management, healthcare, religious guidance for Haj and visits, finance, media, transportation, catering, baggage handling, customer service, and more. 'This is to cater to all the needs of the Malaysian pilgrims – from their lodgings to 42 menus of Malaysian food,' said Hisham, who was completely hands-on and on the ground assisting pilgrims throughout the Haj period. This year marked the strictest Haj by Saudi Arabia authorities – only the season during the Covid-19 lockdown was stricter – as the guardian of the Holy Land attempted to make this the safest Haj ever, with the lowest number of deaths. Following the tagline 'No Haj without Nusuk' – referring to the official digital platform that manages pilgrimages; 'nusuk' means permit in Arabic – security officials scanned the QR codes of everyone's big square tag at all checkpoints throughout Mecca and various entrances to the Grand Holy Mosque. Malaysia's Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar stressed that such rules were made to ensure the safety of Haj pilgrims remains the topmost priority. Mohd Na'im giving his Khutbah Arafah to Malaysian pilgrims. He says that strict rules have been implemented to ensure the safety of Haj pilgrims remains the topmost priority. — Bernama Saudi authorities also ordered a lockdown at midday during the pinnacle period of Day of Arafah to avoid deaths – every year, this is the day most deaths occur as the elderly and vulnerable attempt to walk in the midday sun to the various holy sites.
The Star
30-05-2025
- Climate
- The Star
Tabung Haji steps up heatstroke protection for pilgrims
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.
The Star
26-05-2025
- Climate
- The Star
Tabung Haji ensures comfort for Malaysian pilgrims amid scorching heat on day of Arafah
MECCA: Hajj pilgrims need not worry about the scorching heat on the day of Arafah as the facilities provided for Malaysian pilgrims this year are among the best, says Tabung Haji. "You can see for yourself the mattresses and pillows, as well as the air conditioning units provided for the comfort of the Hajj pilgrims. There is also free flow drinking water and proper toilet cubicles," said Tabung Haji Hajj Department head Hisham Harun, who is also the Malaysian haj entourage head He said this after inspecting the Malaysian tents in Arafah, which would house about 31,600 pilgrims on the day of Arafah. Mecca is now experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures rising to 47 degrees Celsius. "At this point, nearly 95 of the tents in Arafah have been set up and are expected to be fully completed within the next three days. "The number of haj pilgrims accommodated in each tent depends on the size of the tent. Large tents can hold more than 200 people, said Hisham. Haj pilgrims must spend the day on the mountain plain of Arafah, praying and supplicating as an obligatory ritual to complete the Haj. He explained that the placement of pilgrims in the tents was based on the size of each tent. "Each tent is clearly labelled with numbers. Pilgrims will be allocated a specific tent number in Arafat and Mina, and they will soon be able to check this through the TH Hujjaj application," said Hisham. This year, the day of Arafah, is expected to fall on either June 5 or June 6, a day before Eid al-Adha. The Saudi Arabian government warned about extreme heat and cautioned pilgrims to take proper measures to avoid heatstroke.
The Star
20-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Malaysian pilgrims in Mecca told to wear masks as haze, heat worsen
MECCA: Hajj pilgrims should mask up as the air quality has reached unhealthy levels, says Malaysian hajj delegation head Hisham Harun. He said that Malaysian pilgrims going out of their hotels to the Holy Mosque should take extra precautions, as many of those currently being treated are suffering from respiratory problems due to the exposure to the haze and heat. Hisham, who is also Tabung Haji Haj Department head, was speaking to the Malaysian media here on May 20 during his weekly briefing on the Malaysian hajj pilgrims. "As of May 20, we have 141 pilgrims warded with 12 of them at Arab Saudi hospitals and the rest at Tabung Haji medical centres. "We expect the temperature in Mecca to reach between 45 to 50 degrees Celsius. "So far, the temperature has already reached 44 degrees Celsius. "Pilgrims are advised to avoid prolonged exposure to the hot weather and to always take care of their health. "Considering the current dusty conditions, Hajj pilgrims are recommended to wear face masks when going out to the mosque," said Hisham. According to on May 20, the Air Quality Index was at 153 - an unhealthy level requiring masking up. Hisham also said that Tabung Haji is now in a strategic collaboration with Saudi German Hospital for the first time this Hajj season. "This is to meet the requirements set by the government of Saudi Arabia, which mandates that all official Hajj delegations appoint a local private healthcare service provider to obtain approval to operate treatment centres and clinics. This is also a recognition of Malaysia's high standard of healthcare services," said Hisham. A total of 31,600 Malaysian pilgrims are currently in Mecca to perform the hajj this year. Two Malaysian pilgrims have died so far this year. Both were from heart attacks.
The Star
14-05-2025
- Climate
- The Star
Strong security cultivating an easier, more orderly haj
MECCA: Tight security enforced by the Saudi Arabian authorities has made performing haj this year easier, safer and more orderly, says Tabung Haji. Haj department head Hisham Harun said greater enforcement by Saudi authorities along with the regulation permitting only those with valid visas to perform haj, has resulted in a much more orderly crowd at the holy site. He said that Tabung Haji views the strict enforcement by Saudi authorities positively. 'It helps maintain order around the Holy Mosque. We are observing a calmer, more organised situation compared to previous years, with smoother entry and exit for pilgrims and less crowding. 'The strict controls have also improved the quality of haj management quality – from logistics and transport around Mecca to traffic flow. There is noticeably less congestion compared to previous years,' said Hisham. The Saudi government has tightened regulations to ban individuals without valid visas from performing haj. Hisham advised Malaysians not to be influenced by those offering services without requiring a proper permit. 'Saudi authorities will not allow entry into the Haram Mosque for those without a valid haj visa. 'There are numerous checkpoints around Mecca where individuals are checked for permits. We advise Malaysian pilgrims to always wear their Nusuk card to allow officials to check and verify their visa authenticity.' On Malaysian pilgrims, he said 39 out of 47 flight groups have departed from Malaysia. 'So far, we have 11,396 pilgrims in the Holy Land – 5,252 in Madinah and 6,143 in Mecca.' He also urged pilgrims to take care of their health as temperatures have risen above 40°C and could exceed 50°C. 'Many of our pilgrims are experiencing skin conditions such as dryness and itching. 'We advise them to use moisturisers, especially those with diabetes, because scratching can lead to wounds. 'We also encourage pilgrims to drink plenty of water and avoid bathing too frequently to prevent dry skin,' said Hisham.
