Malaysia supports Saudi Arabia's move to increase security in Makkah, Madinah

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia fully supports Saudi Arabia's move to increase security in Makkah and Madinah following the ballistic missile fired by the Yemen's Houthi rebels toward the Muslim holy city of Makkah last Thursday.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia also supported the military effort taken by Saudi Arabia's allies against Yemen's capital, Sanaa, following the attack.
"In this matter, we are supporting the Saudi Arabian government, especially King Salman who is very concerned about the safety of haj pilgrims in the two holy cities right now.
"They may have some disagreements, but destroying the two holy cities and killing haj pilgrims should not be the way to handle it," he told a press conference after the closing of the Kelana Jaya Umno Division Delegates' Conference here today.
The deputy prime minister said the missile attack, which was successfully intercepted by the Saudi Arabian Defence Forces, was indeed worrying as pilgrims from all over the world had begun flocking the two holy cities for haj pilgrimage.
He said any two fighting countries should not make Makkah and Madinah as their target.
Ahmad Zahid also reiterated Malaysia's stand that the two holy cities, as well as Baitul Maqdis, should always be protected, and that, if needed, Malaysia is prepared to give a helping hand to Saudi Arabia to ensure security in Makkah and Madinah.
"We are ready to help Saudi Arabia in any situation and hopefully we are not alone," he said.
The Saudi Arabian Defence Forces on Thursday intercepted a ballistic missile, known as "Burkan-1", at Al-Wasliya area of Yaif Province, 69km away from Makkah.
According to international media report, the Houthis confirmed the launch of a Burkan-1 ballistic missile into Saudi Arabia, but said it targeted King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, the kingdom's busiest airport.
No casualty was reported as a result of the attempted attack. — Bernama