Latest news with #MassitaAhmad
Barnama
5 days ago
- Barnama
Strict Saudi Visa Strategy Effective, Pilgrim Movement Orderly
By Massita Ahmad MAKKAH, June 5 (Bernama) -- The strict visa control strategy enforced by the Saudi Arabian government for this year's Hajj season has proven highly effective, ensuring that only authorised pilgrims are permitted to perform the pilgrimage. Media Facilitator and Head of the Malaysian Hajj Media Delegation 2025, Datuk Izelan Basar, said his personal observations revealed a stark improvement compared to previous years, particularly in the management of pilgrims en route to Arafah. bootstrap slideshow An estimated 1.8 million Muslims from around the world are performing Hajj this year, with the majority already gathered in Arafah for the wukuf ritual on Thursday (June 5). "From a personal perspective, I saw a significant difference. In the past, we would come to Arafah and see people walking along the roadside, some sleeping or lying down. "But this year, with the excellent strategy and formula implemented by the Saudi government, I didn't see anyone walking. Every pilgrim is required to travel by bus, and if they don't, they will be detained," he told Malaysian media here. According to Izelan, such detentions typically involved individuals who did not possess valid Hajj visas, adding that these firm measures are part of Saudi Arabia's nationwide awareness campaign, "No Hajj Without a Permit." For the first time, the Saudi Civil Defence has also deployed an AI-powered drone, "Saqr" (Falcon), to detect and intercept unauthorised pilgrims, reinforcing the "No Hajj Without a Permit" campaign. "I see this system as a major advantage. Pilgrim movements are now neat, clean, well-organised, and easily planned. Unlike in past years, where some attempted to sneak in without a visa, everything this year appears orderly and controlled," he said.
Barnama
5 days ago
- General
- Barnama
Adahi Project Fully Ready For This Year's Hajj
From Massita Ahmad MAKKAH, June 5 (Bernama) -- Saudi Arabia has completed the preparations for the ritual animal sacrifice operations for this year's Hajj, with the Adahi project now all set to process over one million livestock across seven designated centres within 84 hours. The Saudi Arabia Project for the Utilisation of Hady and Adahi (Adahi) said the centres, spanning over one million square metres, are well equipped with advanced technology and staffed by more than 25,000 specialised personnel from various countries. bootstrap slideshow They include some 600 Sharia specialists, 500 veterinarians,16,500 butchers and assistant butchers, and 400 technicians skilled in refrigeration, electrical systems, mechanical operations, and machinery operations. Adahi said the project integrates Sharia compliance, operational efficiency, and technological innovation to ensure the humane, hygienic and efficient management of ritual sacrifices. 'This reflects the Kingdom's continued commitment to facilitating the performance of rituals for pilgrims and promoting mercy and humanitarian solidarity worldwide,' it said in a statement to Bernama. Most notably, the system this year includes an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered Adahi counting system, an automated weight verification system to verify compliance with Sharia standards, and a newly introduced meat tracking system to ensure precise and transparent delivery of Adahi meat to rightful recipients. Adahi said the ritual animal sacrifice, Udhiya, processing operations could proceed at an average of one animal every seven seconds, ensuring timely delivery amid high seasonal demand. To date, the project has received more than 770,000 livestock, surpassing its initial target of 750,000.
