The Haj: TH makes it easy for pilgrims to stay in touch with family

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian haj pilgrims will be able to stay connected with their families back home via easily accessible prepaid SIM cards.

Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) said in a statement that it is working with telecommunications company Mobily to provide the SIM card.

It will be given to pilgrims at the departure station before they leave for the Holy land of Makkah.

“The SIM card can only be activated in Makkah and Madinah.

“They only need to bring it together with their identification badge to the Mobily counter that will be set up at each lodging premises.

“The Mobily official will take a fingerprint scan of the pilgrims.

“Upon activation of the Mobily SIM card, pilgrims can top their credit with a minimum of SAR5 (RM5.52) to get 2GB of free data for three days, depending on need.

“The Mobily kiosk will also provide top-up services and SIM card replacement,” Tabung Haji said.

Those who want to use the services of other telecommunication providers can still do so by showing their identification badge, since their passports are kept by the muassasah (agent), it added. Aside from Mobily, other telecommunication service providers in Saudi Arabia include Saudi Telecommunications Company (STC) and Zain.

Tabung Haji reminded Malaysian pilgrims to abide by Saudi law, which only allow pilgrims to have one telecommunication service provider.

For pilgrims who do not have a mobile phone, Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) will continue providing i-Talk service that allows them to make phone calls home at a rate of SAR1 per minute.

TH also cautioned Malaysian pilgrims against buying SIM cards from unauthorised agents at the Haj terminal, resting areas and near their lodge building.