MEDINA: Preparations are all set to receive the first batch of Malaysian pilgrims who will arrive in Saudi Arabia to perform their haj.
Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) director of Medina operations and vice-consul for Malaysian haj affairs Affandi Abdullah said that TH is in its final stages of preparations to give a warm welcome to the first group of pilgrims who will be arriving in Medina today.
More than 31,600 Malaysians are expected to perform their haj for this year’s season and they are expected to fly into Saudi Arabia between April 29 and June 1.
“We will celebrate the arrival of the first batch with much pomp to create the vibes needed to make them feel that they are indeed guests of God, the term TH uses to call haj pilgrims.
“They will stay in Medina for six days and five nights before they move to Mecca. The stay here is akin to retracing Prophet Muhammad’s haj pilgrimage, when he departed from Medina to Mecca.
“The pilgrims will be given tours to historical places while undergoing classes and briefings on the dos and don’ts of haj. They will depart for Mecca on the seventh day.
“Throughout the haj season, TH will station personnel across various zones, covering financial services, counselling, health and customer service.
“A health clinic will be opened at the TH headquarters in Roha Al Madinah to further facilitate the arrival of the pilgrims.
“This is an annual operation and more than 50% of TH personnel are experienced to ensure that everyone is well-prepared to receive this year’s first group of prospective haj pilgrims,” said Affandi.
He said this to the Malaysian media group after checking on the lodging for the pilgrims in Medina.
This year, TH pilgrims would be placed mainly at the Emaar Royal Hotel Madinah, Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick and Saja Al Madinah.
Affandi said that as in most years, this year’s pilgrims would mostly be women, and that the minimum age for haj pilgrims is 18.
