KUALA LUMPUR: It will be faster and smoother check-ins for 30,200 Malaysians performing the Haj this year as part of a joint initiative by Saudi Arabia and the Malaysian government to make it easier for the pilgrims.
“Beginning this Saturday, our 30,200 Haj pilgrims will enjoy fast track service at Saudi Arabia Immigration counters,” Tabung Haji’s Haj Department Senior General Manager Datuk Seri Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman said.
“Pilgrims arriving in Jeddah or Madinah will enjoy the fast track lanes and can board their buses to their hotels without worrying about their luggage bags. The waiting period for pilgrims at the terminal will also be reduced from five hours to two through this initiative,” he said at a press conference today.
Syed Saleh said the pilgrims’ luggage bags will be handled by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Haj and Umrah and will be delivered to the pilgrims’ hotel rooms under the supervision of the South East Asia Muasassah staff.
“Check-in process at the arrival hall is faster due to the Haj Pre-Departure Programme that we conducted here,” he said.
He added that Haj pilgrims reporting at the departure stations here will undergo handprint scan process and have their pictures taken by representatives of the Saudi Arabia Foreign Ministry.
“We have informed the pilgrims to follow the rules and to cooperate with the officials to ensure a smooth process.
“Make sure there are no forbidden items in the luggage as the luggage management process will be conducted without their presence,” he said.
Syed Saleh has also informed the pilgrims to ensure the name tags on their luggage are written clearly and have extra clothes in their hand carry luggage just in case their luggage was delayed.
He wished the Haj pilgrims a smooth and safe journey to the holy land.