Hajj pilgrims advised to avoid gatherings not related to pilgrimage

Hajj pilgrims are advised against joining any gatherings that are not related to the pilgrimage such as those that are political and involve the nation's sentiments to avoid the occurrence of any mishap.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said these included participating in illegal rallies that had once tarnished our country's good image.

Thus, he urged hajj pilgrims to abide to the rules and regulations set by Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) to facilitate the monitoring of their movements and well-being throughout the Hajj season this year.

"We hope to avoid instances of pilgrims planning their own schedule, including going out by themselves as it will make it hard for TH to monitor their movements since the Saudi Arabian government has several sensitive areas that should be avoided.

On the issue of threats posed by the presence of terrorists in Madinah, he assured that the Saudi Arabian government had maximised security measures in the effort to combat terrorism.

Meanwhile, Jamil Khir said Malaysia was still waiting results from the Saudi Arabian government on the appeal for an increase in the current Hajj quota of 22,320 pilgrims for this year.

"Regarding compensation payment following the crane tragedy during last year's Hajj season, TH has submitted related documents to the Saudi Arabian government, and fully trusts them in determining the validity of the claims, as well as the number of Malaysian pilgrims to be paid compensation," he said.