MADINAH: The Haj season officially got underway for Malaysian pilgrims with the arrival of the first batch here yesterday. Four hundred and forty two pilgrims landed at the Prince Mohamad Abdul Aziz at 8.30am yesterday.

They were greeted by the Malaysian Ambassador to Saudi, Datuk Zainol Rahim Zainuddin and wife upon arrival at the Anuwar Movenpick Hotel here at 3.30pm local time (8.30pm Malaysian time).

Also present were Malaysian consulate general to Jeddah Mohammad Ali Selamat, Chairman of Muassassah Adila’ Sheikh Hateem Bali, his deputy Kamal Ahmed Khalifa, deputy chef de mission Nurrinanuwar Shamsuddin and Haj Consul Datuk Redhuan Sabaruddin.

In welcoming the pilgrims, Zainol urged them to look after their own personal safety. “All the measures taken by the Saudi authorities will only work if the pilgrims follow the rules,” he said.

Zainol said Malaysians performing their Haj must also safeguard their health, especially in the current sweltering weather. Temperatures in Madinah and Mecca are now consistently above 40 degrees Celsius.

On the processing of entry, Zainol said while the Saudi government had introduced many new measures to enhance security and comfort, it was hoped that the process of entry would be smoother in the days to come as more pilgrims arrive.

He also called on the 22, 320 pilgrims to safeguard the outstanding image of Malaysian pilgrims and maintain their discipline.

On additional quota this year, he said the Saudi government was still considering the request for more allocations.

-New Straits Times