MECCA: Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), has said that six more Malaysian Hajj pilgrims have died in Mekka, taking the death toll to 14.
Mohd Na’im said that all the deceased pilgrims had time to perform Wukuf worship and most of them died of heart diseases, pneumonia and blood infections.
The deceased have been identified as Bawi Solek, 75, from Kampung Hilir Pusa, Sarawak; Raksan Matasil, 74, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah; Madon Mohamed, 71, Maasai, Johor; Roba’ayah Yusoff, 71, Beruas, Perak; Syed Abu Hassan Basri Syed Ahmad, 74, Sauk, Perak; Nik Noor Azlinna Noor Basir, 54, Kota Baru, Kelantan.
Support for Families of Deceased Malaysian Hajj Pilgrims
“The Saudi Arabian hospital and TH staff have helped the next of kin of the deceased here and informed their next of kin in Malaysia. On behalf of the TH management, i would like to express my condolences to the next of kin of pilgrims who died in Makkah and together we pray that their souls will be placed among those who do good deeds,” he said in a press conference for the Haj season 1445H/2024 at TH Headquarters here last night.
Health Challenges Faced By Malaysian Hajj Pilgrims
Meanwhile, a total of 93 Malaysian pilgrims are receiving treatment, which 11 were admitted to Saudi hospitals, with two in critical condition at King AbdulAziz Hospital, while another 82 are at TH Makkah Treatment Centre.
Most cases involved respiratory issues, such as lung infections, due to the hot, dry weather, he said.
Praise for Malaysian Hajj Pilgrims and TH Staff
Meanwhile, Mohd Na’im described this year’s Hajj journey as one of the most notable and congratulated the management and staff of TH who successfully played their roles in ensuring the well-being, safety and health of Malaysian pilgrims.
“Thank you also to the Malaysian pilgrims who are known for their discipline and knowledge, so much so that they have been talked about and praised by the government of Saudi Arabia… thank you to the authorities here for being patient and giving good cooperation to the staff,” he said.
Challenges Faced During Hajj 2024
“Although there were a few shortcomings, but in general this Haj journey was blessed with the help and commitment given by the pilgrims, causing the hajj operation this time to run smoothly and well,” he added.
He did not deny that, in addition to limited space in tents, Mina pilgrims also had to deal with scorching heat.
Gratitude for Ar-Rahman Guest Care Programme (Peneman)
Mohd Na’im also expressed his gratitude to TH officials who participated in the Ar-Rahman Guest Care Programme (Peneman) to help 50 elderly people who needed special assistance during the day during the peak season of the Hajj in Masyair.
“I was moved when some pilgrims involved in this companionship programme admitted that even their own children did not treat them as the Haj officers did. So it is a sincere confession given by the pilgrims.
“I can say that the officers are the unsung heroes who play a very big role in ensuring that when the pilgrims return to Malaysia, they will tell the story of not only the efficient management of TH but also being moved by the kindness shown by the pilgrimage personnel,” he said.
Post-Mortem and Future Planning for Malaysian Hajj Pilgrims
Meanwhile, Mohd Na’im also said that a post-mortem will be carried out to check all kinds of complaints received from Malaysian Hajj pilgrims, especially during their stay in Masyair, in order to improve planning for the upcoming Hajj season next year.
“The head of the Hajj delegation Datuk Seri Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman and the TH management will inform the Ministry of Haj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia about the matters that were raised and hope that the journey of the Haj management next year will be better,” he said.
FOLLOW US ON X: CLICK HERE
