JEDDAH: FOUZIA KHAN, Arab News
Published — Wednesday 11 September 2013
The first groups of Malaysian Haj pilgrims arrived in Madinah.
A total of 450 Malaysian pilgrims were welcomed by Malaysian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Syed Omar Syed Mohamad Al-Saggaf; Malaysian Consul General in Jeddah Mohd Khalid Abbasi Abdul Razak; Deputy Head of the Malaysian Haj Delegation Tengku Aziz Raja Abdullah; and Head of Muassasah Adila Dr. Yusuf Ahmad Hawala.
At a press conference with Saudi and Malaysian journalists, Al-Saggaf thanked the Saudi government for the “excellent arrangements” made to assist Allah’s guests.
He said the Saudi Arabian government had great respect for Malaysian pilgrims because of their discipline. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah had expressed this view recently during a meeting with him, he said.
Al-Saggaf advised Malaysian pilgrims “to protect Malaysia’s good name and image by adhering to all the rules and regulations set out by the Saudi Arabian government.”
Abdul Razak said 22,320 Malaysian pilgrims traveling on 64 flights would perform Haj this year, which marked a 20 percent reduction from last year. A total of 33 flights would land in Madinah and 31 in Jeddah.
He praised Saudi Arabia’s preparations despite the major expansion under way and was “confident” Malaysia's quota would return to normal in the next “two or three years.”
He advised all pilgrims to drink fluids and keep in good health so they are able to complete their Haj rituals.
Abdul Razak said the Malaysian government was constantly improving its facilities for Haj pilgrims. This includes its own fully staffed 24-hour hospital and medical centers in Makkah and Madinah and a field hospital covering Arafat and Mina. He said the consulate was working with the Haj organizers to ensure pilgrims “attain a complete Haj.”
Ambassador of Malaysia, Datuk Syed Omar Al Saggaf, Consul General of Malaysia, Mr. Mohd Khalid Abbasi Abdul Razak and Officials welcoming the Malaysian pilgrims in Madinah.