Malaysian haj pilgrims leave campsite cleaner than they found it

MINA: The large crowd and cramped conditions had not stopped Malaysian pilgrims from maintaining cleanliness, instead they were eager to ensure their campsites in Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina are comfortable during the period of Masyair (massive movement of pilgrims).

A check by Bernama found that some of the Malaysian pilgrims' tents in Arafah were left in a much cleaner state than before their arrival, and some pilgrims even came together to help tidy up the mattresses, blankets and pillows before leaving for Muzdalifah.

While staying (overnight) in Muzdalifah, most of the pilgrims carried a garbage bag to make sure no rubbish were left behind before travelling to Mina by bus.

The narrow lanes between the crowded tents in Mina were also free of rubbish as TH had provided garbage bins at various locations.

At most of the campsites, the pilgrims introduced their own rules to maintain strict hygiene, to the extend that, some had to ensure that their slippers are neatly arranged inside and outside the tents.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Haj Delegation head Datuk Seri Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman said he was impressed by the wonderful attitude shown and even the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah was always full of praise for Malaysian pilgrims.

He said, the high discipline of Malaysian pilgrims was highlighted in the Masyair Cleanliness programme and they had adopted a positive attitude which was in line with the Kebersihan Mencerminkan Kemakburan Haji campaign

"When the pilgrims were in Arafah, before they left for Muzdalifah, we saw their efforts in ensuring that their campsites were properly cleaned.

"Similarly, when in Muzdalifah, the pilgrims gave their cooperation. In Mina, they need to stay much longer, between three to four days, which is quite a long period for them to ensure that the bathrooms, living areas and alleys in between tents are clean," he told reporters today.

In Arafah, 200 tents are provided for Malaysian pilgrims and in Muzdalifah, they are only given a mat when they spend the night under the sky.

The situation in Mina is quite challenging as there are 600 tents here for Malaysian pilgrims and they are located very close to the tents of pilgrims from other countries.

-- BERNAMA