MADINAH: Handling the luggage of tens of thousands of Malaysian hajj pilgrims is a major task, says Tabung Haji’s Madinah terminal manager Muhammed Fairus Ahmad Aripin (pic).
He said planning is done weeks in advance before the first batch of pilgrims from Malaysia arrives in Madinah and Mecca.
Muhammed Fairus said that every piece of luggage is treated with respect, regardless of its content.
"For the pilgrims, their luggage is very precious, no matter its content, as many would have packed thinking they would survive solely on their luggage throughout their pilgrimage," said Muhammed Fairus, who is from Tapah, Perak.
This year, the first batch of pilgrims is expected to arrive in Madinah on April 29 before heading to Mecca after six days.
Speaking to Malaysian media here, Muhammed Fairus, 42, said that although this is his first year handling baggage in the Holy Land, his team of eight personnel from Malaysia is very experienced, and they are supported by another team of locally based personnel in Madinah.
"We may be working behind the scenes but we are also the frontlines who are responsible for ensuring that pilgrims are able to perform their hajj without any major problems.
"Tabung Haji is very meticulous when handling the pilgrims’ baggage. For them, all that they have brought is what they assume they will need throughout their pilgrimage here.
"The baggage consists of the big suitcases which have been checked in and not carried by the pilgrims. This baggage usually arrives before the pilgrims.
"When the pilgrims have passed through immigration and customs, they are escorted directly onto the buses. The baggage is left to us to handle.
"The expectation is high from the pilgrims and our responsibility of getting the right luggage to the right person is enormous," said Muhammed.
He said the pilgrims would have been advised on luggage rules and packing during their courses conducted by Tabung Haji.
"Pilgrims must ensure that the bags are not too heavy – no more than 30kg – and packed properly. They come in all shapes and designs.
"Tag them clearly so that we can identify them when they reach Madinah. We know many pilgrims bring their favourite foods such as sambal and snacks.
"These should be packed properly so as not to spill during transport.
"They are also informed that when they arrive in Madinah, they will not see any of their checked-in luggage until they reach their hotel accommodation.
"I am among the first to meet them to remind them of this, as some may be anxious about their luggage.
"Most of the luggage complies with airline cargo rules. There may always be some luggage which goes astray, but we normally manage to find it as we have a very strict SOP to ensure no baggage is lost," said Muhammed Fairus.
More than 31,600 Malaysians are expected to perform hajj this year.
They will arrive in batches, with the first batch expected on April 29 and the last on June 1.
A total of 100 chartered flights operated by AMAL by Malaysia Airlines Berhad and Saudia Airlines will be used to transport Malaysian pilgrims.
Eight departure stations have been designated for pilgrims to report to: Kota Baru, Kuala Terengganu, Alor Setar, Bayan Lepas, Senai, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
