MECCA: A total of 31,243 out of 31,600 Malaysian haj pilgrims for the 1447H/2026M season have arrived in the Holy Land on 99 flights so far, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan.
He said the final flight carrying the remaining pilgrims is expected to arrive at 9.10pm local time today, completing all 100 flights transporting Malaysian haj pilgrims to Madinah and Jeddah.
“With the arrival of the final flight, all 31,600 Malaysian haj pilgrims will be in the Holy Land to perform the haj this year,” he said here yesterday.
Malaysia uses a total of 100 special charter flights, operated by AMAL by Malaysia Airlines Bhd and Saudia Airlines, to transport its haj pilgrims.
Zulkifli said operations managed by Tabung Haji have run smoothly, with the welfare and safety of pilgrims remaining the top priority, reported Bernama.
“We already have a strong haj management system, and now we want to take it a step further so it becomes a global benchmark in haj administration,” he added.
Among the improvements seen by pilgrims this year are a 24-hour free shuttle bus service to Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) for those staying about one to 1.5km from the mosque, as well as sofa beds, heat-insulated tents and a more efficient air-conditioning system in Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina for the Masyair phase (peak phase of haj pilgrimage).
Zulkifli added that Malaysian haj pilgrims have been advised to take care of their health and limit outdoor activities following extreme heat in Saudi Arabia, with temperatures expected to reach up to 48°C.
He said peak haj rituals and Masyair operations will take place amid high temperatures.
Pilgrims are advised to use covered walkways or carry umbrellas when heading to Masjid al-Haram, and to stay well hydrated to avoid heatstroke.
“Pilgrims are also encouraged to remain inside their tents during the Masyair operations to avoid exposure to extreme heat, especially during the day of Arafah (wukuf),” he added.
Zulkifli said Malaysia’s haj medical teams are prepared with proactive measures in place in coordination with Saudi authorities to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims throughout the haj season, especially during the Masyair operations.
On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia’s National Meteorological Centre issued an extreme heat warning, with temperatures in and around Mecca expected to rise to as high as 48°C.
The Saudi government has announced that the first of Zulhijah 1447H fell on Monday, while the day of Arafah, the peak of the haj pilgrimage, is expected to be held in less than a week (ninth of Zulhijjah).
