KELANA JAYA: Tabung Haji (TH) wants Malaysian pilgrims to be mindful and alert of their surroundings while performing the haj, and to adhere to safety instructions by Saudi authorities and TH staff in Mecca.
TH chief executive officer Datuk Johan Abdullah said TH has taken extra security measures by adding metal detectors and scanners at strategic points of its buildings in the holy city.
"Our offices are also in operation both in Mecca and Madinah to help our pilgrims with everything they need, including medical assistance and any emergency," he told the press at the Kompleks Tabung Haji, here tonight.
Johan said emergency contact numbers are engraved in the pilgrims' identification bracelets should they need assistance while in Mecca and Madinah.
"They will be briefed on the latest safety developments. The first briefing takes place as soon as they arrive," he said.
Johan advised pilgrims to stay away from affected areas if any incidences occur.
The first group of Malaysian pilgrims are expected to depart for Mecca on Thursday (Aug 4) at 5am.
A pilgrim, Muhd Adli Tajul Sabri, 19, said he is lucky to have been chosen to go to Mecca this year and thanked his mother for registering on his behalf.
"My mother opened a TH account for me when I was only 10. I was surprised to have received the letter and I accepted it although I will be alone on this trip as both my parents had performed their haj in 2014," he said.
The third semester Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTEM) student from Gerik, Perak, said he did not want to turn down the opportunity, as his next possible available date could be in 2093.
"I might not live that long," he said adding his pilgrimage would not intefere with his studies as he is on a semester break and will only miss the first week of the next semester.
Another pilgrim, Aawaluddin Zakarian, 64, from Lubuk Cina Melaka said he registered for his pilgrimage with TH 10 years ago.
"My wife and I both registered about 10 years ago. We are lucky to be in good health this year and are able to go on this pilgrimage," he said.
His wife, Sabariah Sidek, 59, who is wheelchair-bound, said she has knee problems but hopes she is healthy enough to complete her pilgrimage.