Strict Saudi Visa Strategy Effective, Pilgrim Movement Orderly
MAKKAH, June 5 (Bernama) -- The strict visa control strategy enforced by the Saudi Arabian government for this year's Hajj season has proven highly effective, ensuring that only authorised pilgrims are permitted to perform the pilgrimage.
Media Facilitator and Head of the Malaysian Hajj Media Delegation 2025, Datuk Izelan Basar, said his personal observations revealed a stark improvement compared to previous years, particularly in the management of pilgrims en route to Arafah.
bootstrap slideshow
An estimated 1.8 million Muslims from around the world are performing Hajj this year, with the majority already gathered in Arafah for the wukuf ritual on Thursday (June 5).
"From a personal perspective, I saw a significant difference. In the past, we would come to Arafah and see people walking along the roadside, some sleeping or lying down.
"But this year, with the excellent strategy and formula implemented by the Saudi government, I didn't see anyone walking. Every pilgrim is required to travel by bus, and if they don't, they will be detained," he told Malaysian media here.
According to Izelan, such detentions typically involved individuals who did not possess valid Hajj visas, adding that these firm measures are part of Saudi Arabia's nationwide awareness campaign, "No Hajj Without a Permit."
For the first time, the Saudi Civil Defence has also deployed an AI-powered drone, "Saqr" (Falcon), to detect and intercept unauthorised pilgrims, reinforcing the "No Hajj Without a Permit" campaign.
"I see this system as a major advantage. Pilgrim movements are now neat, clean, well-organised, and easily planned. Unlike in past years, where some attempted to sneak in without a visa, everything this year appears orderly and controlled," he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
6 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Anwar hopes Canada reconsider visa exemption for Malaysians
Anwar in a post on X today said this is in line with the treatment given to other Commonwealth countries to strengthen people-to-people ties and expand multilateral exchanges. – Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR (July 4): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his hope to his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney to reconsider visa exemptions for Malaysians. Malaysian citizens will need a visa for a trip to Canada, as a tourist, to study or to work. 'This is in line with the treatment given to other Commonwealth countries to strengthen people-to-people ties and expand multilateral exchanges,' he said in a post on X today. Anwar, who is currently on an official visit to Paris, contacted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to congratulate him on the Liberal Party's victory in the recent Canadian election. Canada visa fees for Malaysian citizens include a fee to the Canadian government, a biometric fee and additional fees for support or service from VFS Global, the designated third-party administrator for Canada visas in Malaysia. – Bernama anwar ibrahim canada Mark Carney visa
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Unrest, disease risk not a deterrent for M'sian travellers
At the ready: Thai authorities manning a roadblock in Narathiwat during an inspection. — Bernama GEORGE TOWN: Thailand remains a top holiday destination for Malaysians despite the country's latest political crisis. The suspension of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra coupled with ongoing violence in some of the country's southern provinces and a surge in respiratory illnesses are unlikely to deter Malaysians. Haadyai, a city close to the border with Kedah, remains a favourite for a quick break. Executive Erma Idayu Mohd Yusop, 38, is planning a weekend trip there with her family despite the country's troubles. 'I'm not worried at all. In fact, we're heading to Haadyai this weekend for a short family vacation,' she said. She said she would avoid the so-called Deep South – the provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and parts of Songkhla – where violence linked to a decades-long insurgency has increased. 'Of course we won't go to risky places. I'll also wear a face mask and stay away from crowded spots, especially with my elderly parents and kids,' she said. On July 1, Thai Department of Disease Control spokesperson Dr Jurai Wongsawat warned of increased risks for eight diseases including Covid-19, influenza, dengue fever and measles as the country heads into its rainy season. Dr Jurai also urged the public to take precautions in light of the rising cases of Covid-19 and the threat of bird flu, which has recently emerged in Cambodia. Civil servant Edward Lee, 45, is also heading north. 'I feel the western coast of southern Thailand is still relatively safe. The issues seem to be concentrated in the southernmost areas,' he said. He has visited Haadyai before and plans to go again this week. 'As long as we stay cautious and avoid troubled zones, there shouldn't be a problem. Life has to go on,' he said. He said many Malaysians are still drawn to Thailand for its food and shopping. A travel agency said demand for trips to Haadyai had spiked. 'All seats for this weekend are fully booked,' said a staff member. 'Families, couples and even groups of friends are going. Everyone wants a short getaway.' Insurance and travel agent Mohd Hazrizal Abdul Halim, 26, whose shop is near Bukit Kayu Hitam, said he had seen more customers than usual. The surge in Malaysian visitors to Thailand are occurring even as the past three months have seen more than 10 violent incidents in the southern provinces which have claimed the lives of children, security personnel and village defence volunteers. 'Sales went up about 20% for this weekend,' said Mohd Hazrizal, adding that he expects to see more business as school holidays approach. 'Malaysians just love going to Thailand,' he added.
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Floating library sails into Labuan
LABUAN: The long-awaited arrival of floating library Doulos Hope became a reality when the ship berthed at Labuan Liberty Wharf, marking the start of a nearly month-long stopover here. From today, the public will be able to step aboard to browse its impressive selection of books and enjoy a unique maritime experience. The floating library will be open daily from 1pm to 9pm, except on Mondays when it will be closed for maintenance. Labuan is one of the stops in the Doulos Hope's regional tour, aimed at promoting literacy and cultural exchange through affordable books and onboard community engagement. The official opening ceremony is scheduled for July 10, Bernama reported. The vessel will remain in Labuan waters until July 27. Operated by a charitable organisation, Doulos Hope is crewed by volunteers from around the world and offers thousands of books, covering a wide range of topics, including education, personal development, family and faith. Visitors will be charged RM2 per entry. Children aged 12 and below and senior citizens 65 and above will be given free admission.
