TH Prioritises Pilgrims’ Health Amid Extreme Heat Ahead Of Wukuf In Arafah

From Amirul Mohd Sajadi

MAKKAH, May 19 (Bernama) -- Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) is placing emphasis on ensuring that Malaysian pilgrims remain in optimal health to perform the pinnacle of the haj pilgrimage, the wukuf in Arafah, amid extreme heat conditions.

Deputy head of the Malaysian haj delegation (medical), Dr Mohamad Zamri Harun, said the medical team’s preparedness for the Masyair operation has been strengthened through comprehensive planning covering the phases before, during and after the movement of pilgrims to Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina.

He said some medical personnel had been deployed early to the Masyair area to ensure the smooth conduct of treatment and emergency operations during the peak period.

“Our focus is to ensure pilgrims are able to perform the haj in the best possible manner, at least to perform the wukuf. Therefore, medical personnel are stationed with the pilgrims at the maktab (accommodation) to ensure immediate treatment can be provided if necessary,” he told reporters recently.

The Masyair Operation, which marks the culmination of the five-day haj rituals from the 8th to 13th of Zulhijjah, saw a total of 224 medical personnel, comprising specialists, doctors and nurses, assigned for the 1447H/2026 haj season.

Dr Mohamad Zamri further said the main challenge for the medical team was ensuring effective coordination and communication, given that the movement to Arafah involved a large number of pilgrims within a short timeframe.

In addition, he said temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in the Holy Land also increased the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, as well as respiratory infections.

“A week before the wukuf, pilgrims are advised to limit outdoor activities, especially walking to the Grand Mosque during daytime. They are also encouraged to drink at least 10 glasses of water daily, even if they do not feel thirsty, to keep the body hydrated,” he said.

Commenting on heat stroke, Dr Mohamad Zamri said the condition typically starts with heat exhaustion caused by excessive fluid loss through sweating, with symptoms to watch for including confusion, dry skin, dry tongue and lips, muscle cramps and fainting.

“Therefore, pilgrims are advised to rest well, drink enough water and not to force themselves to go to the Grand Mosque too often in the near future. We want all pilgrims to be able to perform the wukuf at Arafah and attain a mabrur haj (accepted pilgrimage),” he said.

He also advised pilgrims with chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure to remain disciplined in taking their medication as scheduled.

“Pilgrims need to continue taking their medicines as usual. Discipline in taking medication is very important, even in the Holy Land,” he said.

-- BERNAMA