Security in Makkah under control, pilgrims assured
MAKKAH: Malaysian haj pilgrims need not worry about moving around the Masjidil Haram (Grand Mosque) to perform religious rituals and acts of worship as the situation in the holy city is safe and under control.
Deputy Head of Malaysian Haj Delegation (Welfare) 2017, Nurrin Anuwar Shamsuddin said Tabung Haji (TH) had been working closely with the Malaysian Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate General in Jeddah to keep tab of the situation and so far, no warning notice was issued to the pilgrims.
“The situation in Makkah is still under control, pilgrims are free to move around the Masjidil Haram...no restriction so far.
“To all their families (in Malaysia), don’t worry. InsyaAllah, everything is alright and under control,” he told the Malaysian media at the Makkah TH headquarters at the Abraj AlJanadriyah Hotel here yesterday.
Malaysia has condemned the attempted missile attack aimed at the holy city of Makkah and hoped that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on Friday described the abhorrent act, reportedly launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, could threaten the safety of pilgrims.
The Saudi Defence Forces on Thursday (July 27) intercepted a ballistic missile, known as ‘Burkan-1’, 69 kilometres away from Makkah at Al-Wasliya area of Yaif Province.
According to international media report, the Houthis on Friday confirmed the launch of a Burkan-1 ballistic missile into Saudi Arabia but said it targeted King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, the kingdoms busiest airport.
No casualties were reported as a result of the attack.
Meanwhile, Nurrin Anuwar also advised the Malaysian pilgrims to follow the schedules set by the TH and to be on high alert of their surroundings.
“Alhamdulilah, TH is proud to say that Malaysian pilgrims are among the best in terms of discipline, knowledge and following instructions as long as they adhere to all instructions, they will be fine.
“If there is an incident or rally, stay away! We are here to perform religious obligation, so lets just focus on doing that,” he said.
Nurrin Anuwar said the TH also had its own patrol team to monitor security of Malaysian haj pilgrims in the holy city.
“Our patrol team members have experience working with security forces and they know how to assess the situation out there,” he added. — Bernama