MAKKAH: The highest number of complaints from haj pilgrims comes from the loss of lanyards and identification bracelets, according to Lembaga Tabung Haji's (TH) customer service division.
As of May 9, the division has received 71 such complaints, said manager Mohamad Zakee Mohd Zaludin.
He reminded pilgrims to always wear the identification provided by TH throughout their stay in the Holy Land to ensure they can be recognised in the event of any unforeseen incident.
"We advise all our pilgrims to take care as best as possible of their identification such as lanyards, badges and even haj bracelets so as not to lose them, because in the Holy Land it replaces identification cards and important documents used back home," he said to media at the TH headquarters, here.
In addition to the loss of lanyards, Mohamad Zakee said other complaints received so far only involved minor matters at the pilgrims' accommodation such as air conditioning damage and others.
He gave his assurance that the customer service division will try to deal with all problems within 24 to 72 hours, depending on the problem presented.
At the same time, he said, like the previous haj season, the TH Patrol Team will be on duty 24 hours a day at eight 'check points' or special locations around the Grand Mosque to help Malaysian pilgrims, to ensure their safety.
Among the areas involved are two areas around Marwah, around the Assalam gate, Dataran Safwah, the area of the road to Misfalah and in front of the King Abdullah gate.
He said most cases of lost pilgrims involve those who have arrived in the Holy Land for the first time and have never performed the Umrah before, especially among the elderly.
"So that's why we stationed the TH Patrol Team in eight main areas around the mosque to monitor their movements.
"For example, for pilgrims performing the first Umrah, we will monitor their journey from one 'check point' to another 'check point'.
"If there are pilgrims who return late, we will inform their group," he said, adding that every complaint and information about missing pilgrims can be submitted to the Hotline at 012-5704433.