Selangor Journal
A Saudi police officer stands guard as pilgrims arrive to perform their final Tawaf in the Grand Mosque, in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on July 20, 2021. — Picture by REUTERS

Covid-19 in Mecca under control, SOPs relaxed — Haj consul

MECCA, June 1 — The Covid-19 pandemic situation in Mecca is reported to be under control and standard operating procedures (SOPs) have been relaxed with face masks no longer required in open areas, says Malaysian Haj Consul Muhammad Saimi Mat Som.

However, he advised Malaysian pilgrims to continue donning face masks to reduce the risk of infection.

According to Muhammad Saimi, pilgrims will also be briefed on the ‘TH Hujjaj’ application to facilitate the distribution of important information, especially on accommodation, bus schedules, health and pilgrimage guidance.

“Various information will be channelled there, as well as the latest statements issued by the Saudi Arabian government,” he said when met by reporters here after welcoming 84 Tabung Haji (TH) staff in Jeddah on Monday (May 30).

A total of 340 experienced TH staff will be on duty during the Haj season to accommodate 14,306 Malaysian pilgrims.

The Saudi Arabian government has allowed a total of 1 million pilgrims under the age of 65 to perform the Haj this year.

— Bernama

Top Picks

Capital A to dispose entire stake in AirAsia for RM6.8 bln

Package with ‘bomb threat’ at KLIA turns out to contain laptop, charger

Russia warns downgrading of ties with US if assets seized