'Red liners' ensure safety of haj pilgrims

From Fadzli Ramli

MAKKAH, July 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysian haj pilgrims need not worry when performing their obligations during the pilgrimage at the Masjidil Haram as there will be Tabung Haji Board (TH)’s “barisan merah” (red liners) who will look out for them and provide assistance.

Wearing red t-shirts, these TH staff will patrol the mosque and its surrounding areas, all day every day of the week to keep an eye out for the pilgrims. 

TH Makkah operations director TH, Datuk Ahmad Sohaimi Abd Rahim said the patrols will be conducted by groups of 18 staff under one leader who will not only look after the safety of the pilgrims but also provide aid such as ensuring they do not stray from their targeted locations.

“The common locations are seven in the Masjidil Haram area including the gates in the Marwa area and where are pilgrims move towards Safa’. Outside, it is at the Misfalah juncture.

“I remember in 2015 when the cranes collapsed, our patrol officers were the first to get information and pass it on to the TH office,” he said in a press conference held at the TH headquarters at Abraj Janadriah here today.

This year, TH has provided nine hostels in 13 buildings here and 30,200 Malaysians will perform their haj, assisted by 640 staff.

Ahmad Sohaimi said the patrol team will be in two groups, working in three shifts, and among the most common complaints are from pilgrims who lose their way while returning to their hostels.

He added among the biggest challenges faced by the team was the hot weather here and he hoped the red liners themselves will take care of their health by drinking a lot of water and staying out of the sun.

-- BERNAMA