PETALING JAYA: Haj pilgrims who are due to perform their pilgrimage this year are worried that their long wait may be in vain should the situation in the Middle East worsen in the coming days.
Tabung Haji staff, who would be there longer to manage the pilgrims, said they are also worried but accept the situation as part of the job.
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“I have been going every year for more than 10 years now. I manage the ground administration of Malaysian pilgrims,” said a staff member, who preferred to remain unnamed due to administrative restrictions.
“This year seems to be more challenging since the conflict erupted. We have to prepare all the necessary contingency plans and think about better infrastructure as well.
“They are all in place, but should the conflict escalate, our work would be more challenging, and we would be at risk.
“Every year, we stay between 60 and 80 days. If anything happens, we would have to be mentally prepared to extend our stay and tend to the pilgrims.
“Whatever it is, all preparations at Tabung Haji are as planned. We pray and hope for the best. The challenges come with the job, which for us is more of a religious duty,” said the Tabung Haji staff member.
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Juani Munir Abu Bakar, 39, a journalist with Utusan Malaysia, who would be going as part of the Tabung Haji media team, said he is excited and nervous at the same time.
“I am grateful to have been offered a spot on the media team after waiting two years. With the conflict escalating in the Middle East, I am a bit worried, but I am preparing myself mentally and physically should anything happen.
“The courses organised by Tabung Haji have been very useful, as we would not only be performing the haj but also be on duty as well.
“Being offered to go for the haj is a calling from above for Muslims. If it is not your time yet, you will not get the chance. This is my chance,” said Juani, who hails from Ipoh.
A pilgrim from Kelantan who only wanted to be known as Wan Jani said he was very excited when he received the offer letter to go for haj this year.
“I am a farmer, and I have been saving for 20 years now. Finally, I have been chosen.
“I leave it to God. If Tabung Haji says we can go, then I will go. If Tabung Haji says we will not be going, then that is my fate,” said Wan Jani, who will be going with his wife.
“My children are worried and asked if we could postpone. That is understandable, but we will wait and see, as we are not going as tourists but as guests of God,” said the 67-year-old.
