MECCA: Haj courses organised by Tabung Haji (TH) in the future will place more emphasis on the masyair phase, so that pilgrims are better prepared for the toughest part of the pilgrimage.
TH managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Johan Abdullah said the courses will include videos, live animation and practical examples.
The masyair phase of haj involves pilgrims staying in tents in Arafah and Mina, and under the open sky in Muzdalifah. Space is limited, so the tents are congested, and pilgrims have to walk about 3.5km to the Jamrat Complex for the Stoning of the Devil ritual.
“(Grouses that have) gone viral in blogs and social media (are) quite apparent, but what’s viral is not necessarily true. The situation is not as severe as what’s claimed.
“We must also take into account the restrictions faced, such as the weather, location and so on. Generally, the feedback is positive,” he told Malaysian media here on Wednesday night.
Also present was Datuk Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman, head of the Malaysian 1438H haj delegation.
TH’s 17-module haj course for next year is scheduled to start this December.
Johan said this year’s haj season went well, with no major unexpected or untoward incident. As of Sept 6, there are 176 Malaysian pilgrims still warded in Saudi government hospitals (20) and the TH Syisyah Medical Centre (156).
There have been 35 deaths so far – in Madinah (4), Mina (7), Arafah (2) and Mecca (22). The ratio (1 death per 1,177 pilgrims) is higher this year (1:1,860 in 2016) due to the participation of more elderly pilgrims.
Four pilgrims are in a coma and could not perform wukuf. Their welfare will continue to be managed by TH officials, while arrangements are being made to fly in next-of-kin to visit them.
The first of 113 flights carrying Malaysian pilgrims home departed on Sept 6, and the last flight will be on Oct 4.
Johan thanked all parties who contributed to the smooth running of this year’s haj season, including the Malaysian and Saudi governments, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, and TH’s top management.
“I would also like to thank the unsung heroes – TH officials in Malaysia and the Holy Land, medical staff, religious guides and experts, Sahabat Maktab volunteers and the media – for their commitment and dedication.
“We also thank the haj pilgrims for their cooperation, discipline and sacrifice. We pray they have obtained haj mabrur (accepted by God) and return safely to their loved ones in Malaysia,” he added.
