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New Straits Times
03-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Saudi authorities tighten checks to curb illegal pilgrims in Makkah
MAKKAH: Getting stuck for between half an hour and over an hour at the checkpoint each time we try to enter the Holy Land has become a daily routine during our stay in the Sacred City. This is because every passenger, whether travelling by car or bus, is thoroughly inspected one by one by Haj and Umrah policemen. Media personnel from several countries who are here on the invitation of the Saudi Arabian Media Ministry are not exempt. "Tasreeh… tasreeh, bisur'ah… kullukum (Permit… permit, quickly… all of you)," is among the phrases frequently heard each time a police officer steps onto our bus, asking everyone to be ready with their permit for inspection. Imagine—even media personnel, accompanied by an officer from the Media Ministry, are not given easy passage into the Holy Land, let alone ordinary people travelling alone. Usually, two policemen board our bus carrying around 20 media representatives before asking each person to show their visa for inspection. Based on observation, the officers on duty record the visa number and cross-check the data with the holder's passport, while also referencing the Haj and Umrah Ministry's headquarters database directly on site. During inspections, several vehicles have been seen directed to the roadside for further checks if any data discrepancies arise. The Saudi Arabian Haj and Umrah Ministry is taking the issue of 'illegal' pilgrims seriously to ensure an orderly and safe pilgrimage. The Saudi government has reportedly taken strict action against pilgrims found in Makkah without a haj visa, with offenders facing fines ranging from RM22,000 to RM113,000. They may also be deported and blacklisted from entering Saudi Arabia for 10 years. These firm measures also address health risks that could arise if pilgrims perform haj without proper arrangements, especially during the peak days of rituals—including standing at Arafah, staying overnight at Muzdalifah, and the stoning ritual at Mina—when temperatures can reach 40 to 45 degrees Celsius. Previously, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar advised Malaysian citizens without official authorisation from Saudi authorities not to risk performing the pilgrimage. In addition to legal consequences, he highlighted serious health concerns for those undertaking haj through unofficial means.
New Straits Times
30-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Eight Malaysian journalists to perform haj under Saudi Media Ministry initiative
KUALA LUMPUR: Eight Malaysian media personnel have been selected to perform the fifth pillar of Islam – the haj pilgrimage – this year, courtesy of Saudi Arabia's Media Ministry. The ministry's media facilitator, Datuk Izelan Basar, said over 500 media practitioners worldwide, including those from leading news organisations, are invited each year to take part in the pilgrimage and document the world's largest religious gathering. The initiative by the ministry recognises global media professionals who have contributed to intellectual development, innovation, talent cultivation, and the strengthening of bilateral ties between Saudi Arabia and Islamic nations. The initiative also aims to enhance collaboration between traditional, and new media, while delivering the values, experiences and spiritual significance of the haj to a broader international audience. "This is also an acknowledgement of the media's broad digital presence, ability to disseminate information rapidly, and their role in positively shaping public understanding of the haj," Izelan said. Among those invited is two-time Kajai Award-winning journalist Farrah Naz Karim, who is Media Prima Bhd's News and Current Affairs deputy group managing editor. She is also the New Straits Times group editor. Farrah Naz is expected to be part of a panel at the Global Hajj Symposium to discuss The Future of Faith-Based Reporting: Coverage of Pilgrimages in a Digital Age. The June 1 event is organised by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Also in the Malaysian media haj delegation are Berita Harian news editor Adha Ghazali, as well as representatives from Bernama TV, TV AlHijrah, and Astro Oasis. The group departed early this morning and is scheduled to return on June 12. While in Jeddah, the delegates will be briefed on Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which has recorded strong progress, with 93 per cent of its key performance indicators achieved since the initiative was launched nine years ago. The delegation is also expected to document features on the pilgrimage, highlighting the scale and behind-the-scenes preparations by Saudi Arabia in welcoming nearly two million pilgrims from more than 183 countries. Riyadh has introduced various initiatives to ensure the highest standard of pilgrim management during the haj season, with a focus on enhancing the pilgrim experience, ensuring safety, and leveraging technology. Key preparations include road infrastructure upgrades, public health measures, and the implementation of digital solutions for crowd management and information access. These include providing a helpline for pilgrims to seek reliable religious support from a select group of some 300 qualified scholars and professional translators. The Saudi government has also taken preventive measures against extreme heat, including planting more trees, expanding shaded walkways, and installing water stations and mist fans.
