Latest news with #NoHajWithoutaPermit
New Straits Times
10-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Tighter controls, solid coordination keys to success of this Haj season
MAKKAH: A photograph of members of the Saudi Arabian security forces lying on the road after completing their duties at the end of the Haj season has captured the hearts of many. The image, posted on Pakistan Tribune's Facebook page, bore the caption 'Heroes of Hajj: Saudi Security Staff Resting on the Ground After Completing Hajj Duty'. They have truly earned the 'hero' tag. These individuals were at the frontline to ensure that this year's Haj season proceeded smoothly and safely. Those who have been to the Holy Land are already familiar with their role. Although uncompromising when carrying out their duty, their warmth when dealing with pilgrims both during the Haj and Umrah seasons is no secret. The Haj season for 1446 Hijrah officially ended last night when the last group of pilgrims vacated their tents in Mina and headed for Makkah. Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, who is Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region and Vice Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah, announced the success of this year's Haj season in terms of security, health, and services. For the majority of the more than 1.67 million pilgrims, the 1446 Hijrah Haj season is undoubtedly a success. In terms of security, strictness was evident, especially in tackling the issue of illegal Haj pilgrims. The authorities, through the 'No Haj Without a Permit' campaign, managed to stem the entry of such groups. 269,000 WITHOUT HAJ PERMITS BARRED FROM MAKKAH Based on records, more than 269,000 unregistered individuals were barred from entering Makkah this Haj season while 400 companies had their haj services licences revoked for breaking the rules. 'No Haj Without a Permit' is more than a campaign but a stern commitment from Saudi Arabia to ensure a safe and organised Haj journey. For example, the last Haj season saw more than 1,300 heat stroke-related deaths when temperatures soared between 46 and 51 degrees Celsius. The majority of these involved illegal Haj pilgrims who entered Makkah to perform the Haj 'in secret' without going through the proper channels to ensure safety and organisation. This was among the major reasons for the Saudi government's strict enforcement, which is to reduce any risks of fatalities and more importantly, to prevent history from repeating itself. A more organised and safe Haj process is key towards effective management of the Haj, including in the aspect of managing the pilgrims' health, which is bolstered by the presence of more than 5,000 volunteers. These volunteers support the health services in three main areas namely prevention, treatment and support services. The biggest success is unquestionably in terms of managing the risk of heat stroke, especially in reducing the number of fatalities among the pilgrims from extreme heat. INTER-AGENCY COORDINATION In the context of services, praise has to be accorded to inter-agency and ministry coordination which was key to the smoothness and comfort of the Haj experience. For example, Saudi Arabia activated the world's largest cooling system in Masjidil Haram in Makkah, and in Masjid Nabawi in Madinah, for the comfort of the pilgrims and to prevent heat-related risks, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. More than 400 cooling stations in major locations, and 'white roads' as heat reflectors were introduced to ensure cooler surface temperatures. Walkways are also covered, with cooling facilities provided for the ease and comfort of the pilgrims. As the season reached its peak, Saudi Arabia also engaged artificial intelligence (AI) powered drones for various purposes including crowd surveillance to prevent crushes, spot potential heat-related emergencies and the delivery of critical medicine directly to locations. Pilgrims' movement was also smooth and orderly, thanks to the systematic transportation network strengthened by more than 25,000 buses and the Mashair Metro rail. In short, Saudi Arabia's success in the management of the 1446 Hijrah Haj is a manifestation of solid cooperation and coordination by all, transcending agencies and ministries. Nevertheless, there is room for improvement, taking into account constant changes. What is clear is that this Haj season, the Saudi government's focus was on security, which is the foundation of an organised and safe journey. Prince Saud had said that preparations for the next Hajj season will begin immediately. It is evident that an analysis of what transpired during this Haj season will also be taken into account. 1.67 MILLION PILGRIMS THE IDEAL NUMBER? One must also consider - was the success of this Haj season due to 1.67 million pilgrims being the ideal number? Based on records, this was the lowest number of pilgrims since 1991 (1412 Hijrah) with the exception of the three years the world experienced the Covid-19 pandemic (1441 to 1443 Hijrah). However, it must also be considered that the 1.67 million pilgrims this season is a 'solid' number, meaning without the presence of illegal Haj pilgrims unlike years past. Nevertheless, the responsibility of ensuring the smoothness of the Haj should not be shouldered by Saudi Arabia alone. Questions have to be asked over how much commitment is taken on by other countries, including Malaysia. This includes ensuring that issues such as Haj scams and fraudulent Haj packages, which expose potential pilgrims to difficulties, are successfully stamped out. It pains the heart to constantly hear of how easily some quarters abuse religion to rake in profits. Such issues, which besmirch the name of Islam, need to be addressed effectively.
New Straits Times
06-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Saudi Arabia's 'No Haj Without a Permit' ensures a seamless pilgrimage
MINA, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is reinforcing its commitment to a safe and organised haj through its annual regulatory campaign, 'No Haj Without a Permit'. The initiative remains a cornerstone of the Kingdom's vision for a seamless pilgrimage. Aimed at both domestic and international pilgrims, the campaign highlights Saudi leadership's dedication to ensuring safety, comfort, and order, while preventing disruptions that have historically affected haj. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), 'No Haj Without a Permit' tackles key challenges such as unauthorised pilgrims, road congestion, and fraudulent haj campaigns that leave pilgrims vulnerable to harsh conditions. For haj 1446 AH, the Kingdom emphasises that a successful pilgrimage is a collective national, security, and organisational responsibility. Measures include proactive awareness messaging, heightened security checkpoints at Makkah's entry points, advanced monitoring technologies, and strict penalties for violations. This year's Arafah Day showcased the campaign's effectiveness, SPA reported. Pilgrims adhered to instructions, arriving at designated camps on time, leading to unprecedented traffic flow and clear roads around Arafat and Namirah Mosque. A sense of tranquillity prevailed as pilgrims performed essential rituals, supported by comprehensive government services. Authorised pilgrims received designated spaces within holy sites, ensuring access to housing, catering, healthcare, and modern transportation. Smart applications further enhanced awareness efforts. Coordinated efforts ensured efficient pilgrim movement via buses and trains. The Nusuk Card and technical supervision systems played a crucial role in regulating pilgrim compliance. Heightened awareness campaigns and cross-sector coordination reinforced adherence to guidelines. The Interior Ministry's Makkah Route Initiative, now in its seventh year across 11 international airports, continues to streamline arrivals, having facilitated over one million pilgrims since 2017. This year's haj achievements align with Saudi Vision 2030's goal of enhancing haj and Umrah services, delivering a safe and seamless experience for all pilgrims.– BERNAMA
