PETALING JAYA: A hajj pilgrim who contracted pneumonia in Mecca and ended up in the intensive care unit (ICU) there for months will finally make it home on Monday (Nov 24), thanks to the kindness of Malaysians, says Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.
The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) stated that Asmah Mansor, 71, from Kuala Selangor, was on her way back on a chartered medical flight after Malaysians and authorities jointly raised RM500,000.
Asmah, a former lung cancer patient, contracted pneumonia while she was performing Hajj early this year and was admitted to the Saudi-German Hospital in Mecca.
However, even after all haj pilgrims returned home, she was stranded in the ICU there as the expenditure to fly her back was too costly for her family due to her medical needs.
“I would like to inform the people of Malaysia about the latest developments regarding the efforts to bring Hajah Asmah home, following the health challenges she faced while performing her pilgrimage in the Holy Land recently.
“After coordinated efforts led by Tabung Haji, Hajah Asmah is expected to arrive in Malaysia tonight (Nov 24), subject to final arrangements related to flight logistics, documentation, and health clearances with the relevant authorities, including authorised agencies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," he said in a statement on Monday.
Na'im expressed his deepest appreciation to all Malaysians, on behalf of the Malaysian government, for their compassion, support and contributions.
“I also extend my congratulations to Tabung Haji and the government of Saudi Arabia for their close cooperation and commitment in ensuring the success of this mission,” said Na’im.
It was reported that the a crowdfunding managed to collect RM372,222.66, and the rest was topped up by Tabung Haji and Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP).
