KUALA LUMPUR: Developed by the Saudi government to ensure pilgrims have a better haj, the Smart Haj system with enhanced haj and umrah services, which will be introduced this year, has been warmly received by several parties.
Association of Umrah and Haj Travel Agents (Papuh) chairman Datuk Seri Razali Mohd Sham said he respected the Saudi government’s efforts and its concern for the comfort and wellbeing of pilgrims .
He said this was exciting news as many parties had been awaiting improvements of haj and umrah services.
“The improvements in haj and umrah services have been eagerly awaited for a long time, and Alhamdulilah, they have been upgraded with new technologies.
“This is a good sign when the Saudi government is paying attention to the pilgrimage and umrah.
“It will also be good for the industry,” he said yesterday.
In an exclusive NSTP interview , Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Haj and Umrah Dr Abdulfattah Suliman Mashat talked about the diversity of its government initiatives, including Smart Haj or Hajj Pintar.
He said through Smart Haj, pilgrims’waiting time at airports would be cut, and new processes would be implemented from this year.
This included the high-tech system for airport immigration clearance that reduced waiting time from two hours to 10 minutes and the introduction of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) on electronic doors, allowing pilgrims to take buses and trains to their hotels.
In addition, Jeddah’s new airport will be opened after Ramadan, while the high-speed Express Haramain link will connect Medina and Mecca in less than two hours.
Association of Malaysian Bumiputera Travel and Tourism Agencies (Bumitra) deputy president Harun K.C. Ahmmu said the Saudi government’s efforts helped the process of worship of millions of pilgrims.
He said this might be a string of pioneer programmes that involved Malaysia and several foreign countries for the e-Haj system.
“I wish to congratulate the Saudi government for this endeavour.
“Its effort of increasing the number of pilgrims and shortening their entry time into the country is a relief to many.
“Later, we will see how the system will make the haj and umrah processes more efficient, organised and systematic.”
Andalusia Travel & Tours executive chairman Datuk Md Daud Che Ngah said it was timely that the old system be upgraded with new technology that would save time.
It is a development that he welcomed with enthusiasm, after 40 years of service in the travel industry.
“I view this new development as progressive. I am also convinced that the improvements will be appreciated by pilgrims because they do not have to wait in long queues.”