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New Straits Times
05-06-2025
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Haj pilgrims start early for wukuf ritual to beat midday heat
MAKKAH: After gathering in the Plains of Arafah since yesterday, haj pilgrims today began performing the wukuf ritual in pursuit of Allah's forgiveness and with hopes that their prayers will be granted. The ritual, one of the five pillars of haj, is carried out from after the sun passes its zenith, from the start of Zohor prayer time on 9 Zulhijjah, until before dawn on 10 Zulhijjah. According to observations, pilgrims took advantage of the cooler morning hours to head to Arafah, as the weather was forecast to become hotter after midday. The weather forecast indicated that temperatures in the Arafah area would rise from noon until late afternoon, peaking between 2pm and 4pm at around 41-degree Celcius. In Islam, the significance of wukuf lies in its remembrance of when Prophet Adam and Hawa were sent down from paradise to Earth for disobeying Allah's command and being deceived by the devil. More importantly, the Plains of Arafah is a place for self-reflection, to regret past sins and sincerely seek forgiveness from Allah. This refers to the site where Prophet Adam and Hawa spent years repenting until their prayers were accepted. Previously, the Saudi Arabian government announced that pilgrims would not be allowed to leave their tents, especially during the culminating rites in Arafah between 10am and 4pm, due to expected temperatures reaching between 40-degree Celcius and 45-degree Celcius. Pilgrims were also prohibited from visiting Namirah Mosque and Jabal al-Rahmah (Mount Arafat), popular locations for pilgrims, including those from Malaysia, during the same time frame to minimise the risk of heatstroke. As of now, Saudi authorities have recorded 41 cases of heat exhaustion among pilgrims. Last year, the Saudi Health Ministry reported that medical teams treated 2,764 pilgrims suffering from heat exhaustion, in addition to other heat-related conditions. Saudi Haj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah reportedly said that to mitigate such risks, thousands of cooling fans have been provided, along with 400 water-based cooling units. Authorities have also constructed 2.5km of newly completed shaded pathways leading towards Arafah.
The Independent
03-06-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
How Saudi Arabia plans to avoid repeat of last year's record Hajj deaths as temperature again hits 50C
Saudi Arabia has introduced stricter rules for Hajj pilgrims amid growing concerns about extreme heat, which took a deadly toll last year. Authorities have warned that temperatures during this year's pilgrimage, in mid-June, could again reach or exceed 50C. With millions of Muslims from around the world expected to arrive in Mecca, authorities have ramped up preparations, aiming to avoid a repeat of last year when over 1,300 deaths were reported due to extreme heat. The kingdom says it is ramping up efforts to keep a track of the health conditions of people with the help of technology and intensifying enforcement against unregistered pilgrims who could be at risk without proper access to shelter and water. There are fines of up to $5,000 and other punitive measures, like deportation, for anyone performing the Hajj without a permit. The policy includes citizens and those with Saudi residency. At a press conference in Mecca, officials said they had stopped 269,678 people without permits from entering the city. Rules only allow people with permits to perform the annual pilgrimage even if they live in the city year-round. Authorities have also imposed penalties on over 23,000 Saudi residents for violating Hajj regulations and revoked the licences of 400 Hajj companies. 'In 2023, over 80 per cent of the 1,300 deaths were unregistered pilgrims,' Saudi health minister Fahad Al-Jalajel said, noting that many of the deceased were elderly or had chronic illnesses. 'This year, we are using technology and coordination with international missions to ensure pilgrims are accounted for and protected.' Authorities are giving pilgrims smart wearable devices that monitor body temperature and heart rate and send alerts if there are signs of heat exhaustion. They are also adding more air-conditioned rest stops, misting stations, shaded areas, and water supply points along key pilgrimage routes. Saudi authorities are also urging pilgrims to take personal precautions, including staying hydrated, using umbrellas, avoiding peak sun hours, and following official guidelines. Pilgrims are now required to carry health ID cards and download the official 'Nusuk' app to access updates, navigation and emergency assistance. The Saudi Arabia n Civil Defense said they were using drones for the first time at the Hajj. The drones could be used for surveillance and monitoring as well as extinguishing fires. The ministry of Islamic affairs has shortened the waiting time between prayer calls at mosques across Mecca during the Hajj period. Worshippers will have less time between the call to prayer and the start of the congregational prayer – a move aimed at reducing long waits in sweltering temperatures. Since the Muslim calendar is typically 10 days shorter than the solar year, the Hajj occurs in summer in some years, increasing the likelihood of dangerously high temperatures. In 2024, Mecca recorded temperatures as high as 51.8C during the pilgrimage. Weather forecasts for 2025 indicate another sweltering Hajj, with the Saudi National Centre for Meteorology warning of 'above-average temperatures' across the region in June. Scientific studies, including by UN bodies, have been warning of extreme heat events becoming deadlier due to the climate crisis, especially in countries with already high summer temperatures like Saudi Arabia. The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is obligatory for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake at least once. This year, Saudi Arabia expects over two million pilgrims to attend.
The Star
02-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Malaysian haj pilgrim suffers heart attack, saved in time, says Saudi Health Ministry
MECCA: A 60-year-old Malaysian pilgrim, Zurina Mat Hussin, was saved by a Saudi Arabian medical team after suffering a severe heart attack during her Hajj journey. According to the Saudi Arabian Health Ministry spokesperson, the pilgrim from Terengganu was swiftly transferred to King Abdullah Medical City in Mecca. "Zurina underwent a life-saving cardiac catheterisation in record time. "Following the successful procedure, Zurina was enrolled in the Kingdom's remote health monitoring program, operated through the Seha Virtual Hospital. "Her condition is being continuously tracked using a smart heart-monitoring device. "After receiving urgent medical care, Zurina safely continues her haj, while Virtual Health continues to monitor her condition remotely. "The case reflects Saudi Arabia's advanced medical capabilities and its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all pilgrims," said the Saudi Health Ministry spokesperson. About 31,600 Malaysian pilgrims are among two million pilgrims performing the Haj this year, which will culminate on June 6 with the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebrations worldwide.
New Straits Times
02-06-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Drones cut haj medicine delivery time from an hour to six minutes
MAKKAH: The Saudi Health Ministry's Emergency Operations Centre is leveraging drone technology to deliver medicines to haj sites, cutting delivery time from over an hour to just six minutes. This sharp reduction in delivery time marks a major advancement in logistics management, helping to minimise risks, especially in critical cases that could be life-threatening. Saudi Medical Appointments and Referrals Centre chief executive officer Professor Nawfal Aljerian said the primary objective of this healthcare logistics innovation is to ensure that critical treatments reach patients without delay. "This initiative aligns with the Saudi government's commitment to enhancing healthcare services during the world's largest annual gathering. "This technological advancement represents a major shift in health management during haj," he told Malaysian media during a visit to the centre in Mina today. The Emergency Operations Centre, which operates under the Health Ministry, functions 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It integrates real-time data from hospitals, clinics, and ambulance services, with all information transmitted directly through electronic systems such as Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and the Hospital Information System (HIS). This setup enables healthcare teams to make prompt, data-driven decisions. According to Health Ministry records, nearly 49,000 pilgrims have received treatment at primary healthcare centres, while emergency departments have managed more than 19,000 cases. Outpatient clinics attended to close to 1,000 patients, and over 3,500 individuals were hospitalised, including 1,730 admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). The Saudi government had earlier warned that temperatures during the haj season were expected to reach a maximum of 40 to 45 degrees Celsius, raising concerns about the risk of heat-related illnesses. Pilgrims have also been advised to avoid being outdoors between 10am and 6pm, as well as to refrain from walking from Makkah to Arafah, to safeguard their health. Meanwhile, National Centre for Security Operations of Saudi Arabia (NCSO) gave its assurance and commitment to respond to every emergency call made to the 911 hotline within two seconds. Its official spokesman, Abdulaziz Z Al Ghamdi, told Malaysian media that a report would be forwarded to the relevant agency for follow-up action within 45 seconds. He said this assurance reflects improved readiness as Saudi Arabia prepares to accommodate nearly two million haj pilgrims, with a comprehensive operational plan launched to address large-scale logistical and safety needs throughout the pilgrimage season. According to the Saudi General Authority for Statistics, 1,833,164 Muslims from around the world are expected to perform the haj this year. Of this number, 1,611,310 are international pilgrims, while 221,854 are domestic pilgrims.
Leaders
08-04-2025
- Health
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia's Life Expectancy Hikes to 78.8 Years in 2024
Saudi Arabia's Health Ministry announced that life expectancy in the Kingdom grew from 74 years in 2016 to 78.8 years in 2024 due to enhanced healthcare systems, according to the Saudi Press Agency. This noticeable increase was driven by the ministry's ongoing efforts to provide citizens with seamless health services and strengthen preventive measures. The announcement was made during this year's celebration of World Health Day on April 7 under the theme of 'Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.' The Health Ministry in KSA has recently intensified its health initiatives and awareness campaigns to spread healthy habits, encourage walking, and improve daily health routines. These efforts played a central role in elevating public health indicators and quality of life. Therefore, it paved the way toward the Kingdom's ambitious objective of raising life expectancy to 80 years by 2030. Apart from this, the ministry has collaborated with government entities to carry out health and nutrition reforms, such as banning hydrogenated oils, decreasing salt in food as well as making calorie disclosure mandatory on foods and in restaurants. Moreover, the authorities are currently expanding its preventive and curative healthcare services and early screening initiatives. In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom accelerates the implementation of the Health Sector Transformation Program to build a vibrant society where people enjoy health and welfare. Related Topics: Saudi Health Ministry to Launch 5th Annual 'Walk 30' at Sports Boulevard Health Transformation Highlights Efforts of Agencies in 2024 Saudi Health Transformation Program: 50% Less Road Fatalities Short link : Post Views: 12
