MECCA: The top management of Tabung Haji (TH) yesterday visited potential sites for a proposed National TH Complex in Mecca, which would house all Malaysian pilgrims under one roof.
Currently, accommodation for Malaysian pilgrims here is spread across 24 buildings, located 650m-950m from the Grand Mosque.
TH chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim said one of the considerations for the National TH Complex site in Mecca is its proximity to Masjidil Haram, which houses the Kaaba.
“Today, we visited the potential sites and should be able to finalise it very soon. One day we will sign with the Saudi government to build this complex that can house all our Haj pilgrims.
“We will no longer need to house them separately in different buildings,” he said, adding that a similar TH Complex is being planned for Madinah.
It is understood that centralised accommodation for Malaysian haj pilgrims could potentially lead to better management and services for the pilgrims.
The government spends around RM200 million annually to pay for Malaysian pilgrim accommodation and other necessities in the Holy Land.
Azeez was speaking to the Malaysian media after a special gathering with Haj pilgrims at Land Premium Hotel here. Also present were TH managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Johan Abdullah, Head of Malaysia’s 1438H Haj delegation Datuk Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman, and several TH board members.
At the gathering, the TH management joined the pilgrims in celebrating the upcoming 2017 National Day on August 31, which would coincide with the Day of Arafah or Wukuf.
Azeez said an added celebration for this year would be Malaysia’s spectacular performance at the Sea Games 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, where its tally has exceeded the target of 111 Gold medals.
“As Allah’s guests here in the Holy Land, let us pray for the continued success, peace, wellbeing and security of our beloved Malaysia under the leadership of Datuk Seri Najib Razak,” he added.
Azeez said with all pilgrims already in the Holy Land, the focus will now be on the Masyair phase where Haj pilgrims gather in Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina from August 31 to September 4.
“I ask that everyone in Malaysia join us in praying for the safety and good health of all our pilgrims. May they all get Haj Mabrur and return safely to their loved ones,” he said.
