Malaysian pilgrim, 72, dies in Mecca

A file picture of Muslim pilgrims from all around the world doing tawaf, praying around the kaa'bah in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, during the haj and umrah periods.

SEPANG: A 72-year-old male Malaysian haj pilgrim has died in a hospital in Mecca after suffering a ruptured blood vessel on Friday, says Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar.

Speaking to reporters after a farewell ceremony for Malaysian haj pilgrims here on Saturday (May 26), he said Abnil Hajar Ismail from Jitra, Kedah was pronounced dead by the hospital at 10.30pm.