Expect congestion, delays, pilgrims told

MECCA: Malaysian haj pilgrims will depart early for Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina this year to avoid congestion, as two million pilgrims from around the world converge for the Masyair phase of the annual pilgrimage.

Datuk Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman, head of the 1438H haj delegation, said the Saudi government’s move to increase the haj quota this year had led to an additional 600,000 to 700,000 pilgrims.

“We can expect congestion and some delays from one sector to another. Previously, we went to Arafah after Zohor, but this year, we will start on 8th Zulhijjah (Aug 30) at 9am, making three trips (up to 20 buses per trip, per maktab). We should complete the last trip by nightfall.”

Speaking to Malaysian media after visiting Masyair sites on Sunday, Syed Saleh said Malaysian haj pilgrims would depart Arafah for Muzdalifah at 6.30pm on 9th Zulhijjah, and the first bus from Muzdalifah to Mina would depart at 11.45pm.

“With more pilgrims than before, tents in Arafah and Mina will be a bit cramped. The boundaries of Arafah and Mina are fixed, so no matter how many people there are, they have to fit within the area,” he said.

During the visit, Syed Saleh and other Tabung Haji (TH) officials saw the improvements made by Saudi agency Muassasah Southeast Asia for this year’s haj season.

These included more stable, fire-proof tents able to withstand strong winds, new air-conditioning coolers, back-up generators for electricity and urinals for male pilgrims.

“This year, we will implement safari wuquf for our hospitalised pilgrims.

“They will be driven to Arafah for wuquf in an ambulance, and after completing their worship and doa, they will return to the hospital.”

Syed Saleh said another concern this year would be the hot weather, expected to range between 45°C and 50°C in the afternoon.

“This will be a challenge for pilgrims and TH officers. We hope people will take care of their health and avoid overexposure to the sun. Drink lots of water to avoid heatstroke, which can be life-threatening.”

Masyair operations director Mohd Norber Kassim said each tent in Mina could accommodate up to 150 pilgrims, while the bigger tents in Arafah would hold about 240 pilgrims each.

At a briefing for the media earlier, he said medical services would be available on site during Masyair, as well as a separate tent for elderly pilgrims who needed special attention and assistance.

“This year, we will use a new public address system in Arafah and Mina to better communicate with our pilgrims on site, and for the special sermon during wukuf.”