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Wukuf in Arafah Assured for Malaysian Pilgrims Amid Restrictions
Easing any concerns, the Malaysian Haj Fund (TH) assures that no Malaysian pilgrim will miss the wukuf experience in Arafah, despite Saudi Arabia imposing movement restrictions during the 2025 Haj season.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, confirmed that TH has meticulously planned transportation arrangements to ensure all pilgrims reach Arafah safely. He asserted, "From Tabung Haji's side, transportation for the pilgrims has been organized, and there's no issue. TH will make sure no pilgrim is left behind, ensuring they'll be in Arafah on time for wukuf."
Addressing a related matter, Mohd Na'im confirmed that the Saudi Arabian government had promised sufficient transportation, minimizing the need for pilgrims to walk to Arafah. He added that the number of vehicles hasn't been specified yet, but the Saudi government has shown a firm commitment to prioritizing pilgrim safety by providing alternative transport means like buses and trains.
Interestingly, the new Saudi policy, 'No Visa, No Haj,' has aided in minimizing unregistered pilgrims attempting to enter the holy land. As a result, the pilgrims present this year are all valid permit holders, making the situation more controlled, said Mohd Na'im.
Preparing for the movement of pilgrims to Masya'ir starting Wednesday, TH is well-equipped, with personnel already stationed in the Masya'ir area, particularly in Arafah, to welcome and guide pilgrims to their respective tents upon their arrival.
Despite the heatwave, Saudi authorities have enforced a lockdown during the Day of Arafat to prevent heatstroke, requiring pilgrims to stay in their tents between 10 am and 4 pm. TH has been working diligently to ensure pilgrims' comfort and safety throughout this period.
A special care initiative, 'Safari Wukuf,' includes allocating eight specially modified buses with converted bed-like seats to accommodate around 80 ill and elderly pilgrims. This program aims to facilitate their wukuf ritual in Arafah. With such considerate arrangements, TH is ready to make the Haj experience as smooth as possible for all Malaysian pilgrims.
- The Malaysian government, through the Malaysian Haj Fund (TH), has organized transportation for Malaysian pilgrims traveling for Haj in 2025, ensuring they will reach Arafah safely despite movement restrictions.
- The government of Saudi Arabia, in partnership with TH, has promised sufficient transportation to minimize walking for pilgrims traveling to Arafah.
- The new Saudi policy, 'No Visa, No Haj,' has contributed to a more controlled and streamlined pilgrim population by minimizing unregistered pilgrims.
- To cater to the needs of ill and elderly pilgrims, TH has introduced a special care initiative, 'Safari Wukuf,' offering eight specially modified buses with bed-like seats for their wukuf ritual in Arafah.
