MECCA: Lembaga Tabung Haji, through the Research and Development Division of the Haj Department, has introduced a new navigation platform, called GoogleWalk, to assist Malaysian pilgrims in identifying routes back to their accommodation in the Holy Land.
TH Maktab Operations director Mohd Fahmi Kamarudin said the platform, which is based on Google Maps, was developed specifically for the use of Malaysian pilgrims staying at seven haj pilgrims’ accommodation buildings here.
He said the management of TH Maktab Operations introduced the new platform to help pilgrims identify the route to their respective accommodations.
He said that the platform has been distributed to pilgrims through WhatsApp.
“The platform can also be used to get local taxi or bus services to facilitate the pilgrims’ journey back to their accommodation,” Mohd Fahmi said when met by the media here recently, Bernama reported.
He said the platform is an improvement from the previous use of live locations via WhatsApp and was developed based on in-depth research over the past few years.
“We find this platform easier to use and more user-friendly, and it also consumes less Internet data. It can also help pilgrims who get lost, especially after completing the umrah in the Mas’a area between Safa and Marwah,” he added.
Mohd Fahmi said, although the platform does not feature a tracker, pilgrims can still share their current location, allowing Tabung Haji staff to assist in locating them and providing directions.
He says the platform is being used for the first time this haj season through integration with the haj staff’s e-book, which was also expanded for pilgrims.
He said based on statistics, the number of pilgrims who are lost each year is quite high, especially when there is congestion around the Grand Mosque.
“Therefore, it is hoped that this platform will positively impact the smooth running of daily operations and enhance the safety of pilgrims,” he stated.
A pilgrim, Sudiman Ahmad Tinggal, who is staying at Abraj Al-Tayseer, described the navigation platform as a significant improvement by Tabung Haji, especially in the task to facilitate the movement of pilgrims throughout their stay in the Holy Land.
“It is very convenient; with just one click, this application directs us to our destination,” he said, adding that it helps and benefits the pilgrims.
