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Daily Express
3 days ago
- Daily Express
Operational readiness as millions arrive for Hajj
Published on: Tuesday, June 03, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 03, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: An official spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services - Hajj Season, Saleh Ibrahim Al-Zuwaid, said over 45,000 personnel have been deployed within the transport and logistics network to ensure smooth operations during the pilgrimage. - Bernama pic MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia has signalled its operational readiness for the Hajj pilgrimage season. The kingdom has rolled out an integrated set of logistical, technological, and digital initiatives aimed at improving safety, comfort, and efficiency for pilgrims arriving from around the world. An official spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services - Hajj Season, Saleh Ibrahim Al-Zuwaid, said over 45,000 personnel have been deployed within the transport and logistics network to ensure smooth operations during the pilgrimage. 'Our teams continue to work round-the-clock to ensure pilgrims receive the highest quality of service,' said Al-Zuwaid at a press briefing Monday. 'We urge all pilgrims to comply with official guidelines and instructions issued by the authorities to ensure everyone's safety and wellbeing throughout the Hajj journey.' As part of efforts to ease congestion and streamline pilgrim movement, the Haramain High-Speed Railway has scheduled 4,700 trips throughout the Hajj season. The network is expected to accommodate up to two million passengers, an increase of 400,000 seats compared to the previous year. Additionally, the 'No-Baggage Hajj' initiative is now in place for pilgrims arriving via King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Under this programme, pilgrims travel directly to Makkah by train while their luggage is transported separately to their accommodation via a coordinated logistics system. 'The separation of passenger and baggage movement allows for faster processing at arrival points and ensures that pilgrims can focus on their rituals with minimal disruption,' said the official. Saudi authorities have also confirmed the full implementation of the second phase of operational plans supported by specialised technical teams. These efforts are being intensified during the Eid al-Adha holiday, traditionally one of the busiest periods of the Hajj season. 'Our operational strategy has accompanied the arrival of pilgrims through multiple entry points and helped facilitate a seamless experience,' he said. Meanwhile, an official spokesperson for the Communications and Technology Ecosystem - Hajj Season, Saad Saleem Al-Shanbari, reported major improvements in digital infrastructure across the holy sites, with 4G and 5G coverage in Makkah, Madinah, and surrounding areas surpassing expectations. Internet speeds have reached 264 Mbps in Makkah and 336 Mbps in Madinah, allowing pilgrims to stay connected with ease. 'Digital infrastructure plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience, from navigation and communication to access to real-time information,' he said. As part of the digital push, the kingdom has trialled a range of technologies, including AI-powered crowd management systems, advanced surveillance cameras, and secure communication tools in collaboration with security agencies. The Saudi Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) said out of 29 new technologies introduced this year, 13 had already proven successful in previous seasons. These include tools designed to manage health-related services and monitor pilgrim movement. Responding to the challenge of combating extreme heat, Saudi authorities have activated road-cooling technologies along pedestrian routes that reduce surface temperatures and improve walking conditions for pilgrims. Preliminary results from temperature-monitoring sensors have shown a measurable decrease in heat levels on cooled pathways,' said the spokesperson. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
29-04-2025
- Daily Express
Enhanced Nusuk Card to safeguard Malaysian haj pilgrims from forgery as Haj journey begins, says religious affairs minister
Published on: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Published on: Tue, Apr 29, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: The enhanced Nusuk Card is now equipped with a quick response (QR) code to prevent forgery of the official identification card for haj pilgrims, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. — Bernama pic SEPANG: The enhanced Nusuk Card is now equipped with a quick response (QR) code to prevent forgery of the official identification card for haj pilgrims, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. He said the card now has several layers of security features to ensure the safety of its holders. 'This means that any attempt to duplicate it would be difficult as it comes with multiple enhanced security layers introduced by the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah,' he told reporters after attending the Send-off Ceremony for Malaysian Haj Pilgrims for the 1446H/2025M Haj Season here today. Also present was Lembaga Tabung Haji chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain. Mohd Na'im said the Nusuk Card, introduced three years ago as the official identification document for pilgrims, has helped ease the entry of haj pilgrims from across the globe into the Masjidil Haram in Makkah, the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, and other pilgrimage sites while performing the fifth pillar of Islam. Earlier, Mohd Na'im reminded the 284 Malaysian pilgrims who departed for the Holy Land early this morning to safeguard their Nusuk Cards at all times, as the card contains personal data, including passport and visa information, enabling easy identification of the pilgrims. 'You must take good care of the Nusuk Card since it's similar to our MyKad. Remember my advice, treat it just like you would your MyKad,' he said. On flight arrangements for the 31,600 Malaysian pilgrims for this haj season, Mohd Na'im said a total of 100 special chartered flights via AMAL by Malaysia Airlines Bhd and Saudia Airlines have been scheduled starting today, with the final flight set for June 1. 'The first group of Malaysian pilgrims is expected to arrive at the Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah at 7.50 am (Saudi time) tomorrow,' he added. Malaysia's official haj quota allocated by the Saudi Arabian government this year is 31,600 pilgrims, who will arrive in the Holy Land in stages. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Malay Mail
29-04-2025
- Malay Mail
Deterring contract killings requires legal reform, public vigilance — Haezreena Begum Abdul Hamid
APRIL 29 — Contract killing is an intentional homicide where a person is paid or induced to kill another. It is a premeditated and calculated crime that poses a serious threat to public order and safety. In Malaysia, while contract killings do not occur with the frequency seen in some jurisdictions, several high-profile cases in recent decades have brought public attention to the phenomenon. These crimes often involve professional assassins, organised syndicates, or individuals coerced by financial desperation, reflecting a disturbing commodification of violence. From a legal standpoint, Malaysian law provides a comprehensive framework to address and prosecute contract killings. Under the Penal Code, contract killing falls squarely within the ambit of Section 302, which prescribes the punishment for murder which is death or imprisonment for life (following the abolition of the mandatory death penalty in 2023). If a person hires another to commit murder, they may also be charged under Section 109 (abetment) or Section 120B (criminal conspiracy), depending on their level of involvement in the planning or execution of the crime. In more complex cases, additional legal instruments may be invoked. The Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) may apply in situations involving organised criminal groups. Contract killing is an intentional homicide where a person is paid or induced to kill another. ― Reuters pic This legislation allows for extended detention, surveillance, and special trial procedures. However, Sosma's application remains controversial due to concerns regarding its impact on due process rights and potential for abuse. Several landmark cases in Malaysia illustrate how contract killings are carried out and prosecuted. One of the most prominent was the assassination of Hussain Ahmad Najadi, the founder of Arab-Malaysian Bank. He was shot at close range, with seven rounds fired in broad daylight as he was exiting a Chinese temple in Kuala Lumpur on 29 July 2013. Investigations revealed that the killing was orchestrated by a businessman with a land dispute motive. The hired killer, Koong Swee Kwan was convicted and sentenced to death. However, the mastermind fled the country, and his extradition remains unresolved. This case highlighted the nexus between commercial disputes and violent criminal outsourcing. Another notable case is the 2015 murder of Deputy Public Prosecutor Kevin Morais, whose body was found in a cement-filled drum. The case involved six men including military doctors and intermediaries, one of whom admitted to hiring others to carry out the murder. The prosecution linked the killing to a corruption prosecution in which Morais was involved. All six individuals were convicted and sentenced to death. This case underscores the potential for contract killing to serve as a tool for obstructing justice. Similarly, the 2016 murder of Sarawakian activist and politician Bill Kayong further illustrates the dangers posed by contract killings. He was assassinated in Miri, Sarawak in 2016 due to his advocacy for indigenous land rights. Mohamad Fitri Pauzi, a nightclub bouncer was convicted of the murder and sentenced to death in 2018, with his appeals rejected by higher courts in 2020, 2022 and 2024. Three other individuals — Lie Chang Loon, Chin Wei Chung, and Datuk Stephen Lee Chee Kiang were acquitted due to lack of evidence, while a fifth suspect, Kong Sien Ming, was deported from China in 2021 but later released on police bail without charges. This case raised serious concerns about inadequate protection mechanisms, witness intimidation, evidentiary standards and international cooperation in extraditing fugitives particularly in the absence of bilateral treaties. These cases demonstrate that contract killings in Malaysia are typically motivated by various factors. Common motives include economic incentives such as financial gain, inheritance disputes, or commercial disagreements; organised crime where syndicates recruit individuals with no direct connection to the victim, complicating investigations; and, power and control particularly in cases where the intent is to silence whistleblowers or intimidate political and legal figures. Given the clandestine nature of these crimes, the separation between mastermind and assassin, and the frequent use of intermediaries, law enforcement efforts are often hindered. Investigations are further complicated when witnesses are unwilling to come forward or are subject to intimidation or tampering. Prosecuting contract killings is, therefore, an inherently complex process. Prosecutors must often rely on circumstantial evidence, forensic analysis, and accomplice testimony. When the contract killer has no direct relationship with the mastermind, the evidentiary chain can become weak, increasing the likelihood of acquittal if the prosecution fails to establish a definitive link between the hirer and the killer. This evidentiary gap can prevent the case from meeting the standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. To effectively combat contract killing, Malaysia must adopt a multi-pronged strategy. Several policy and enforcement recommendations can be considered. First, strengthen witness protection mechanisms by developing a more robust and transparent framework to protect whistleblowers and key witnesses in contract killing cases. Second, enhance forensic capabilities through improvements in crime scene reconstruction, ballistic analysis, and digital forensics to bolster the strength of evidence presented in court. Third, regulate private security and firearms by intensifying efforts to curb the illegal arms trade and increase oversight of private investigators who may act as intermediaries in such crimes. Fourth, increase public awareness through campaigns that educate the public on the severe legal consequences of hiring contract killers and the criminal liability of all involved parties. In conclusion, contract killing remains one of the most premeditated and heinous forms of homicide in Malaysia. While a legal framework exists to prosecute such crimes, enforcement continues to be challenged by procedural, evidentiary, and jurisdictional limitations. By studying key cases and reinforcing legal, investigative, and policy mechanisms, Malaysia can take more decisive steps to deter contract killings and uphold the rule of law. Ultimately, it is imperative that such crimes are not only punished but also proactively prevented through a combination of legislative reform, judicial integrity, and public vigilance. *Dr. Haezreena Begum Abdul Hamid is a Criminologist and Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya. She can be reached at [email protected]. **This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
