PETALING JAYA: Malaysian pilgrims have been advised to adhere to security measures implemented by the Saudi government in light of recent terror attacks.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said Saudi Arabia has beefed up security measures, including imposing a new biometric system, following a terror attack the Prophet Muhammad's Mosque in Madinah last month.
"Pilgrims are required to have biometric prints of all their fingers and thumbs taken. They will also have to pass security scanners at hotel entrances in Madinah, while the women will have to wear a bracelet with (an identification) chip as part of the security measures," he said.
He also reminded the pilgrims to uphold country's image by maintaining high discipline.
"The Saudi Arabian government has always praised the conduct and discipline of our Malaysian pilgrims," he said in his speech before sending off 450 Malaysian pilgrims at the Kompleks Tabung Haji today.
He said the government would maintain its subsidy policy for Malaysian pilgrims, with RM160 million spent this year including on logistics and courses.
"The subsidy for the haj this year was a record of RM8,910 per pilgrim. Last year, the government spent RM150 million in total," he said.