The travel agency handling the 87 umrah pilgrims reportedly stranded in Makkah over the past five days has pledged to consider alternative ways to bring them home as soon as possible.
Syarikat Al Fajr Travel and Tours Sdn Bhd said it would source airlines such as Saudi Airlines to bring back the pilgrims after Mega Maldives Airlines, which was to have flown back the pilgrims, reported that its aircraft developed engine problems on Dec 26.
The travel agency's operations manager, Maj (Rtd) Abdul Rashid Sarbini, asked the pilgrims, many of whom are from Batu Pahat, Johor, to be patient and give the agency a little more time to bring the pilgrims home.
"The problem started with the Mega Maldives aircraft developing engine problems. The aircraft was supposed to bring our pilgrims as well as those handled by other companies home from Jeddah on Monday (Dec 26). They have now informed us that the repairs will take between five and 10 days," he said when contacted here today.
Abdul Rashid said the pilgrims had been informed of this latest development and the airline was providing them with accommodation while Al Fajr Travel and Tours would take care of their meals.
The pilgrims are now expected to return home by Jan 1 or 2 at the earliest.
"It is our responsibility to bring the pilgrims home, so we hope that they and their families here will be patient," Abdul Rashid said.
He said the pilgrims need not worry about action against them by the Saudi Arabian government for overstaying in Jeddah as the agency had conveyed the matter to their representatives there as well as the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Haji and Umrah.
"No action will be taken against the pilgrims, do not worry. If anything, it will be against us (the company). But, in this case, we have informed the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Haji and Umrah, so there is no question of any action, except in the case of pilgrims who intentionally overstay," said Abdul Rashid.
Yesterday, 87 pilgrims from Batu Pahat were reported to have been stranded in Makkah after their travel agent allegedly failed to arrange their return flight as scheduled.
Checks by the Malaysian Consulate General in Jeddah found that the pilgrims who arrived in Jeddah on Dec 12 were allowed to stay there for 30 days until Jan 12.
Meanwhile, according to a statement issued today, Mega Maldives said it was still waiting for word from another airline to run charter flights to bring the pilgrims from Jeddah to Kuala Lumpur.
The airline understands that reasonable notice had to be given before the flight for the passengers to get to the airport.
"If passengers make other arrangements for their travel, we request that they let us and their travel agency know so that we can the necessary seat arrangements," it said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Dec 30 2016
The travel agency's operations manager, Abdul Rashid Sarbini, asked the pilgrims, many of whom are from Batu Pahat, Johor, to be patient and give the agency a little more time to bring the pilgrims home. - Photo for illustration purpose only
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Trump says he would impose tariffs on China if China went into Taiwan
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would impose additional tariffs on China if China were to "go into Taiwan,"
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.