Latest news with #MohammadAliBatouk
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- New Straits Times
Saudi enforces haj permit rule to safeguard pilgrims and order
MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia's Haj and Umrah Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to strict enforcement against unauthorised pilgrims in a bid to ensure a safe, orderly, and well-regulated haj season. Assistant Undersecretary for Haj and Umrah Services Dr Mohammad Ali Batouk said adherence to haj regulations was a shared responsibility among pilgrims, travel agencies, and haj operators. He said enforcement efforts were being intensified, particularly in the final days leading up to wukuf in Arafah, when the movement of pilgrims reached its peak. "All the measures we have implemented are aimed at ensuring that only those with valid permits receive the services provided," he told international media during a briefing at the ministry's control centre here today. "This is essential not only to uphold the integrity of the haj process, but also to ensure a safe and well-managed pilgrimage." Saudi authorities have begun detaining individuals found in Makkah without official haj visas. Offenders face fines ranging from RM22,000 to RM113,000, in addition to potential deportation and a 10-year entry ban. The strict enforcement measures also reflect concerns over public health and safety, especially with this year's haj expected to take place amid extreme heat, with temperatures forecast to reach between 40 and 45 degrees Celsius. Mohammad Ali said the ministry remained fully committed to delivering a smooth and meaningful haj experience for all pilgrims. He highlighted the role of the haj control centre in coordinating essential services, including visa issuance, flight arrangements, airport reception, transportation, accommodation, and the provision of facilities throughout the pilgrimage. "All operational indicators are being monitored closely to ensure that every stage of the haj process runs efficiently. Our ultimate goal is to enable pilgrims to perform their religious duties with ease and peace of mind," he said. The Haj and Umrah Ministry's control centre serves as the central hub for the 1446H haj season, ensuring seamless coordination and continuous performance monitoring in collaboration with strategic partners. Its aim is to elevate service standards and operational readiness at every level.
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
Smooth and seamless Hajj journey for pilgrims, says official
MAKKAH: The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has expressed its commitment to ensuring a smooth and seamless experience for all pilgrims during this year's Hajj season, with meticulous planning and round-the-clock monitoring of all operational indicators. Assistant Undersecretary for Pilgrims and Umrah Services at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Mohammad Ali Batouk, said the ministry's dedicated operations centre plays a crucial role in enhancing public relations and coordinating services to cater to the needs of pilgrims from around the world. Speaking during a media visit, Dr Mohammad explained that the ministry tracks every phase of the pilgrims' journey, from the initial visa issuance to flight arrangements, airport arrival, transportation, and accommodation, as well as the readiness of lodging facilities. 'The centre carefully follows all these operational indicators to make the pilgrimage journey smooth and seamless. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that pilgrims can perform their religious rites comfortably and with peace of mind,' he said. The centre also works closely with various sectors of the ministry and communicates directly with service providers to enhance the quality of services offered. Dr Mohammad emphasised that feedback from pilgrims is taken seriously, and any issues raised are addressed immediately to minimise disruptions. 'These operations are monitored 24/7, starting from the last Hajj season until the end of the current one, inshallah. We are dedicated to resolving any challenges and ensuring that the pilgrims' experience is positive,' he added. During the briefing, representatives from international media raised questions about measures to address illegal pilgrims. Dr Mohammad assured that the ministry, along with related departments, is fully engaged in managing permits and maintaining discipline among service providers and pilgrims alike. 'The measures we have in place aim to guarantee that only authorised pilgrims receive services, thereby upholding the integrity of the pilgrimage and ensuring a safe and well-organised Hajj,' he said. He further noted that updates on pilgrim arrivals and related information are published daily on the ministry's official social media accounts. More than two million pilgrims are expected to perform Hajj this year.
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
Smooth and seamless Hajj journey for pilgrims
MAKKAH: The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has expressed its commitment to ensuring a smooth and seamless experience for all pilgrims during this year's Hajj season, with meticulous planning and round-the-clock monitoring of all operational indicators. Assistant Undersecretary for Pilgrims and Umrah Services at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Mohammad Ali Batouk, said the ministry's dedicated operations centre plays a crucial role in enhancing public relations and coordinating services to cater to the needs of pilgrims from around the world. Speaking during a media visit, Dr Mohammad explained that the ministry tracks every phase of the pilgrims' journey, from the initial visa issuance to flight arrangements, airport arrival, transportation, and accommodation, as well as the readiness of lodging facilities. 'The centre carefully follows all these operational indicators to make the pilgrimage journey smooth and seamless. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that pilgrims can perform their religious rites comfortably and with peace of mind,' he said. The centre also works closely with various sectors of the ministry and communicates directly with service providers to enhance the quality of services offered. Dr Mohammad emphasised that feedback from pilgrims is taken seriously, and any issues raised are addressed immediately to minimise disruptions. 'These operations are monitored 24/7, starting from the last Hajj season until the end of the current one, inshallah. We are dedicated to resolving any challenges and ensuring that the pilgrims' experience is positive,' he added. During the briefing, representatives from international media raised questions about measures to address illegal pilgrims. Dr Mohammad assured that the ministry, along with related departments, is fully engaged in managing permits and maintaining discipline among service providers and pilgrims alike. 'The measures we have in place aim to guarantee that only authorised pilgrims receive services, thereby upholding the integrity of the pilgrimage and ensuring a safe and well-organised Hajj,' he said. He further noted that updates on pilgrim arrivals and related information are published daily on the ministry's official social media accounts. More than two million pilgrims are expected to perform Hajj this year.
