Latest news with #TabungHajiHajDepartment
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
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.
