SEPANG, JUNE 29: Kumpulan Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana) has enhanced the security level for the Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro Southern Line (MMMSL) Hajj Train Service Operation following terrorists attack in Mecca recently.
The Prasarana President and Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Azmi Abdul Aziz said, they always enhance safety aspect at every hajj season and work closely with the Saudi Arabia authorities for a higher level of security.
He said, they take additional precautionary measures with tight screening on employees including screening by the Saudi authorities during visa application for Malaysians.
“Besides that, MMMSL is also equipped with over 1,000 CCTV camera to monitor the movement of pilgrims using this train,” he said to reporters after sending off 49 MMMSL Hajj Train Captains at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, reported BERNAMA.
Last Saturday, three groups of terrorists, two based in Mecca and one in Jeddah, had targeted their attack on Masjidil Haram.
At the same time, Azmi said, among other challenges faced by MMMSL employees are the increase in the number of hajj pilgrims using the train this year, estimated to be 350,000, compared to 300,000 last year.
“Besides that, the weather is expected to be hotter than last year and those on duty should be prepared to avoid dehydration,” he said.
Up to now, there is 50 Malaysian train captains who are already at the MMMSL Depo in Arafah since last May to undergo training and to test the 15 sets of the 12 carriage trains, which will be used for seven days specially for hajj beginning this August 29.
According to him, there are 400 workers from Malaysia consisting employees of Prasarana, Prasarana subsidiaries, Rapid Rail and supporting police force who will handle the whole operation together with more than 7,000 Saudi workers.
Meanwhile, one of the train captains, Harizan Abdul Hamid, 50, who has over 20 years of experience, is prepared to give his best in his assignment to make his company and country proud.
“Last year, we were praised by the Saudi and other countries. This year, with the experience and guidance from other train colleagues, I am ready to face this challenge. The pilgrims’ safety is our priority,” he said.
Hajj train security level enhanced to prevent terrorist attack
