MAKKAH: Tabung Haji (TH) has spared no effort in making preparations to welcome the first batch of Malaysian pilgrims for this year’s haj, who arrived here yesterday.
TH maktab operations director Datuk Tahar Pilus said there were nine lodging facilities comprising 13 buildings. He said each of them could accommodate up to 3,270 pilgrims.
“We are expecting the first batch to reach here about 1pm and the second batch is scheduled to arrive at 3pm.
“Their luggage, however, will arrive at their respective accommodation one day earlier.
“We are using five lorries to transport luggage. Once they reach the designated maktab, they will be sent to their respective floors.”
Tahar said the pilgrims’ luggage would bear colour-coded tags to enable them to be delivered to the correct floors.
“We have been doing this for quite a while. When Malaysian pilgrims arrive, their bags will be waiting for them on the floors where their rooms are located.”
He said TH would arrange for pilgrims to perform their umrah tawaaf and sa’ie at 9pm.
Tahar urged pilgrims to keep their rooms and living areas in Arafah and Mina clean.
He advised pilgrims to drink lots of water due to the hot weather as temperatures could rise as high as 45°C.