PUTRAJAYA, May 3 — Emergency plans are in place to ensure the safety of Malaysian pilgrims in the event of any incident or disaster during the haj pilgrimage, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.
He said the safety of 31,600 haj pilgrims remains the government’s priority.
“We are in constant communication with the Saudi government (to obtain the latest situation). Rest assured that whatever the nature of calamity is, we are always prepared with alternative plans,” he told reporters at the Semarak Aidilfitri programme here today.
Na’im said this when asked about Tabung Haji’s (TH) moves amid reports of heavy rain and flash floods in northern Saudi Arabia, which forced school and road closures.
He expressed his confidence that TH personnel would ensure the smooth execution of the 2024 haj.
At the same time, the minister advised pilgrims to prioritise their health, maintain discipline and protect Malaysia’s reputation while in the holy land so as not to affect the country’s good relations with Saudi Arabia.
“We were the first country to receive haj visas from the Saudi Haj and Umrah Ministry this season, so please do not engage in any act or activity that may violate the rules set by the Saudi government,” he said.
Two groups of haj duty personnel departed on April 30 and yesterday, to be followed by two more on May 6 and 9.
The initial flight for pilgrims begins May 9, with the final flight scheduled for June 9.
— Bernama
