Makkah: Another haj pilgrim from Malaysia has died in the holy city of Makkah, bringing the total number of deaths this haj season to 15. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar announced that Nor Azamuddin Ahmad, 56, from group KT073, passed away at 5.10 pm local time following a heart attack.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the pilgrim had been staying at the Marsa Al Jariah Building, Maktab 81 (PJH - Mahabbateen), and was accompanied by his wife, Rozina Saad, during his time in the holy land. Dr Mohd Na'im stated that Tabung Haji has completed the death verification process and informed the family in Malaysia of his passing. Arrangements for the funeral will be handled by haj officials.

He expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased and prayed for their strength and patience during this difficult time. He also called for prayers for Nor Azamuddin's soul to be blessed with divine mercy and placed among the righteous.

In Permatang Pauh, UMNO Division chief Datuk Mohd Zaidi Mohd Said shared that Nor Azamuddin, who was also the division's vice-chief, had undergone a heart stent procedure about eight years ago. Mohd Zaidi recalled speaking with him around 7 pm Malaysia time, where Nor Azamuddin mentioned feeling tired from the heat and daily six-kilometre walks, but accepted his passing as fate.

The deceased was expected to return to Malaysia with his wife on July 2, and efforts are being made to facilitate an earlier return for his widow. The UMNO Division delegates meeting commenced on a sombre note following the news. Nor Azamuddin, fondly known as Azam, reportedly collapsed after completing the tawaf.