TH reminds pilgrims not to be exposed to sun to prevent heatstroke

KUALA TERENGGANU: Tabung Haji (TH) has reminded haj pilgrims not to expose themselves to the sun to prevent heatstroke.
Its group managing director and chief executive officer, Datuk Johan Abdullah said they were told by the Saudi Arabian government that the temperature could reach 50ºC.
"Pilgrims should drink plenty of fluids to avoid heatstroke. This is important to maintain their health in order to perform the rituals," he told reporters after the launch of 'Perdana Haji' course for Terengganu pilgrims by Menteri Besar Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman at Taman Tamadun Islam here, last night.
He also reminded the pilgrims not to be influenced or get involved in demonstrations and always focus on the task at hand.
They should also practice walking for stamina as their residential area in the hold land is quite far from Masjidil Haram (Grand Mosque).
Johan said this year, some 22,000 Malaysians will make the pilgrimage to the holy land in Makkah starting August 4 with 47 direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Jeddah or Madinah.
"Tabung Haji no longer offer direct flights from the states because we provide the Airbus, a larger aircraft.
"Half of the haj flights will use Malaysia Airlines (MAS) while the other half will use Saudi Air," he added. — Bernama