TH Warns Against Unregistered Ziarah Packages Over Safety Concerns

From Amirul Mohd Sajadi

MAKKAH, May 11 (Bernama) -- Tabung Haji (TH) has advised pilgrims not to take up unregistered ziarah (visit to holy sites) packages outside Makkah to avoid safety risks ahead of the peak of the haj pilgrimage. 

Head of the Malaysian Haj Delegation Mohd Hisham Harun said pilgrims should now focus on taking care of their health and preparing for wuquf in Arafah. 

He said official ziarah packages monitored by TH are only provided after the haj season via appointed service providers. 

“We advise pilgrims not to take up ziarah packages outside Makkah from companies with unknown backgrounds, as safety must be prioritised,” he said. 

According to Mohd Hisham, TH found it difficult to monitor the whereabouts of pilgrims who join privately arranged packages without official registration, in addition to the risk of being left behind or charged additional fees. 

Mohd Hisham said Saudi authorities are expected to tighten movement controls ahead of the peak haj period following the increasing number of pilgrims in Makkah. 

Yesterday, Tabung Haji Haj Expert Dr Mohd Sirajuddin Siswadi Putera Mohamed Shith said haj pilgrims who travel beyond two marhalah (81 kilometres), such as to Taif, before the peak haj period and fail to renew their ihram intention for haj or umrah upon re-entering the Holy Land may be subject to dam isa’ah tertib and taqdir, which requires the sacrifice of a goat. 

This follows reports that a small number of Malaysian pilgrims who had completed their umrah had travelled beyond two marhalah, such as to Taif, for ziarah purposes before wuquf. 

At the same time, Mohd Hisham also advised pilgrims to reduce excessive physical activities, including performing multiple umrah, to avoid fatigue ahead of wuquf. 

So far, about 15 Malaysian pilgrims have been referred to hospitals in Makkah, mostly due to fatigue and heart-related issues. 

-- BERNAMA