KUALA LUMPUR: All Malaysian pilgrims have been reported safe following a fire at a hotel in Mecca on Thursday (March 12), according to the Foreign Ministry.
Wisma Putra said the fire was reported at about 5pm local time on March 12 at the Hotel Mira Ajyad. Initial information indicates that around 70 Malaysian pilgrims were staying at the hotel.
Wisma Putra said that upon receiving information about the incident, the ministry, through the Consulate-General of Malaysia in Jeddah, immediately coordinated with the Saudi authorities and Malaysian umrah travel agencies to ensure the safety of the pilgrims staying at the hotel.
"Initial information indicates that about 70 Malaysian pilgrims under the management of TH Travel, Zahafiz Travel and Rayhar Travel were staying at the hotel."
"All three agencies have confirmed that all Malaysian pilgrims under their management are safe and have been accounted for," it said in a statement on Friday (March 13).
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The ministry said a follow-up inspection by the Consulate-General of Malaysia in Jeddah at about 7.20pm local time found that several Malaysian pilgrims were also seen gathering safely around the hotel area.
Wisma Putra said the cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Saudi authorities and that, so far, there are no indications the incident was caused by a drone attack or sabotage.
According to the ministry, for safety reasons, guests are not allowed to return to their rooms while investigations and safety inspections are being carried out by the local authorities.
"If there is a delay in obtaining permission to return to the hotel, the hotel management, together with the respective travel agencies, will arrange temporary accommodation for affected guests," it said.
The ministry, through the Consulate-General of Malaysia in Jeddah, will continue to monitor the situation closely and remain in contact with the Saudi authorities and Malaysian travel agencies to ensure the safety and welfare of Malaysian pilgrims are safeguarded.
Wisma Putra also advised Malaysian pilgrims currently in Mecca to remain calm and comply with instructions issued by the local authorities and their respective travel agencies.
Malaysians requiring consular assistance may contact the Consulate-General of Malaysia in Jeddah at +966 126 727 740 or +966 573 099 589, or via email at mwjeddah@kln.gov.my. – Bernama
