Security measures tightened up for this year's hajj - Tabung Haji

Haji Malaysia vice consul Mohd Zawawi Bostam said this was due to several steps taken to tighten security at strategic places, including hotel accommodation.

"I feel confident with the security measures that have been taken and we can see that they have deployed police personnel around mosques and also other strategic places.

"The hotels have also informed they have provided security scanners at entry points for the same purpose," he told a media conference at the Haji Malaysia Pilgrims' Affairs Office here today.

On July 4, four were reported killed and five others wounded in a blast at the compound of Masjid Nabawi here.

However there was no Malaysian victims in the blast.

The Saudi Arabia Interior Ministry, in a statement, had said the attack occurred when the people were waiting for the time to break the fast.

Mohd Zawawi, who is also Madinah Director of Operations, said the hotels had also provided several other security measures and TH would inform the pilgrims of any deverlopment.

"The issue of security is a critical matter in Saudi Arabia and we want to advise the pilgrims not to interfere with these security issues and also not to bring elements of politics," he said.

Meanwhile TH is ready to receive the arrival of 22,320 Malaysia hajj pilgrims this season by making various improvements for their convenience.

"Among the improvements are the use of more comfortable buses and a more systematic way of bringing the pilgrims' luggage," he said.

He said TH personnel were also on standby to provide support services to the pilgrims, namely health service, money withdrawal, counselling and customer service.

At present 70 per cent of TH staff had arrived in Madinah, mostly those with experience in dealing pilgrims, he said.

Mohd Zawawi advised pilgrims to take appropriate steps to deal with the hot weather that is expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius to avoid health problems.

He also advised pilgrims to devote their time entirely on the pilgrimage and not to be involved in any matters that violate the laws of Saudi Arabia.

During the current hajj, 11,796 pilgrims will land at the Madinah International Airport while the rest at the King AbdulAziz International Airport in Jeddah.