melaka Contributes Rm100,000 To Support Malaysia Silaturrahim Expedition To Makkah 2024

MELAKA, March 19 (Bernama) -- The Melaka state government today donated RM100,000 to assist in financing the Malaysia Silaturrahim Expedition to Makkah 2024, spanning 11 countries covering over 15,000 kilometres by road, starting March 21.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the expedition involving 20 participants with six vehicles and four motorcycles is expected to take approximately 100 days to reach Makkah for the Hajj pilgrimage, barring any obstacles or constraints.

"This convoy is expected to arrive in Makkah on April 27 and will traverse 11 countries including Thailand, Laos, China, India, Pakistan, Iran, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, with a total budget of RM580,000.

"The movement of this convoy depends on driving conditions, topography, road conditions, weather, and the vehicles used," he told reporters after flagging off the Malaysia Silaturrahim Expedition to Makkah 2024 at the Seri Negeri here today.

Also present were State Tourism, Heritage, Arts, and Culture Exco, Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman, and the State Executive Councillor for Education, Higher Education and Religious Affairs Datuk Rahmad Mariman.

Ab Rauf also said that the convoy will promote the Visit Melaka 2024 (VM 2024) campaign in the countries they traverse to attract more tourists to the state this year.

He also hoped that the journey of the convoy would proceed smoothly as planned and that the participants would be able to perform the Hajj pilgrimage comfortably and smoothly.

Meanwhile, the Project Coordinator of the Malaysia Silaturrahim Expedition to Makkah 2024, Nursulhi Rahim, 47, said that all the necessary documentation preparation processes for the journey across 11 countries have been smooth, and the 20 participants involved, aged between 19 and 59, are in good physical and mental health.

"However, at present, the extremely hot weather may somewhat affect the participants... it may make them feel tired and sleepy, especially when driving during the month of Ramadan.

"As the organiser, I have some concerns because more than half of the participants in this convoy have never driven long distances but I hope for everyone's prayers so that the convoy’s journey proceeds smoothly and everyone remains safe," he said.

He said the expedition will also use a Malaysian-made motorcycle, the Modenas Kriss 110, in addition to a Proton Wira Aeroback car.

-- BERNAMA