Several improvements by TH to ensure smooth Haj climax for pilgrims

MAKKAH: Preparations by Tabung Haji (TH) for the peak of the Haj have been smooth with improved facilities to ensure comfort for the Malaysian pilgrims.
The improvements made by the Muassasah (Haj Handling) Council for Southeast Asia and TH involves the three locations of the masyair (Haj climax) operation involving the wukuf in Arafah, night's stay in Muzdalifah and "stoning of the devil" in Mina.
This year's Malaysian Haj delegation chief, Datuk Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman said in Arafah, the Muassasah Council for Southeast Asia provided accommodation tents for the pilgrims that were fire-proof and stronger to withstand strong winds.
This muassasah is an agency under Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Haj and Umrah and which is responsible for handling Haj pilgrims from the Southeast Asian region including Malaysia while they are in Makkah.
"This is the first time the Saudi Arabian government has imposed that condition in Arafah (with regard to the tents). Previously cloth tents were used but this time, the tents are bigger, stronger, and more stable for the comfort of pilgrims," Syed Saleh told Malaysian pilgrims after visiting the three locations.
He said each (maktab) lodging of Malaysian pilgrims in Makkah would also be provided with a generator for additional electricity supply for the mist fans due to the hot weather, and also for the health clinics.
"In Muzdalifah this year, the muassasah will provide 100 pebbles for each Malaysian pilgrim for the 'stoning of the devil' ritual in Mina, compared to previously where the pilgrims themselves had to pick up the pebbles from the area.
"This time too at all the camps in Mina, the air-conditioners will be replaced with new ones and additional urinals provided."
Syed Saleh said in view of the increased number of pilgrims from all over the world this year, the departure of Malaysian pilgrims for Arafah in the masyair operation on 8th Zulhijjah (Aug 30) would start earlier at 9am to avoid the traffic congestion, compared to after Zohor prayers previously.
The Saudi Arabian government has set 1st Zulhijjah as Aug 23 and Wukuf Day on 9th Zulhijjah (Aug 31).
He said among the challenges to be faced by the pilgrims and TH staff on duty would be the busy traffic, long wait to get from one sector to another and the heat, where the temperatures could reach 45 to 50C°.
"I hope the pilgrims will look after their health, not stay in the heat outside for too long and drink lots of water to prevent a heat stroke," he added.
Meanwhile, director of the TH masyair operation for this year's Haj, Mohd Norber Kassim said every 14 accommodation maktab of Malaysian pilgrims in Arafah would be provided with 150 mist fans to cool down the air, besides a new PA system at each tent for more audible information and sermons received.
In the operation, he said, 20 buses would be provided for every 14 maktab for the three trips. — Bernama