MECCA: Hajj pilgrims need not worry about the scorching heat on the day of Arafah as the facilities provided for Malaysian pilgrims this year are among the best, says Tabung Haji.
"You can see for yourself the mattresses and pillows, as well as the air conditioning units provided for the comfort of the Hajj pilgrims. There is also free flow drinking water and proper toilet cubicles," said Tabung Haji Hajj Department head Hisham Harun, who is also the Malaysian haj entourage head
He said this after inspecting the Malaysian tents in Arafah, which would house about 31,600 pilgrims on the day of Arafah.
Mecca is now experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures rising to 47 degrees Celsius.
"At this point, nearly 95 of the tents in Arafah have been set up and are expected to be fully completed within the next three days.
"The number of haj pilgrims accommodated in each tent depends on the size of the tent. Large tents can hold more than 200 people, said Hisham.
Haj pilgrims must spend the day on the mountain plain of Arafah, praying and supplicating as an obligatory ritual to complete the Haj.
He explained that the placement of pilgrims in the tents was based on the size of each tent.
"Each tent is clearly labelled with numbers. Pilgrims will be allocated a specific tent number in Arafat and Mina, and they will soon be able to check this through the TH Hujjaj application," said Hisham.
This year, the day of Arafah, is expected to fall on either June 5 or June 6, a day before Eid al-Adha.
The Saudi Arabian government warned about extreme heat and cautioned pilgrims to take proper measures to avoid heatstroke.
