Makkah: A total of 31,600 Malaysian pilgrims, among the 1.8 million Muslims from around the world performing haj this year, began moving to Arafah in stages, since 7.31 am today, to perform the wukuf worship, the pinnacle of haj pilgrimage, tomorrow (June 5).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar stated that strict security measures enforced by the Saudi Arabian authorities, including inspections at several checkpoints, might result in some delays in the pilgrims' journey to Arafah for the wukuf worship. These security protocols are designed to ensure that only individuals with valid permits are allowed into the Arafah area, with the Saudi authorities maintaining firm control to guarantee the safety and smooth movement of all pilgrims.

Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar noted that Malaysian haj pilgrims are now comfortably on board the buses provided and encouraged them to make the most of the journey by reciting the talbiyah and engaging in continuous prayer. He emphasized the effectiveness of prayers during travel and urged all pilgrims to remain focused on worship and to prepare themselves, mentally and spiritually, for the Day of Arafah.

The transportation of Malaysian pilgrims to Arafah is being managed using shuttle bus services, with between 20 and 31 buses allocated for each maktab to transport pilgrims from seven hotels to Arafah, approximately 20 kilometres from Makkah. The movement will occur in three stages, with trips scheduled at 7.31 am, 9 am, and noon.

Mohd Na'im mentioned that Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), in collaboration with the Al Masyair (Masyariq) company, anticipates the entire pilgrim movement operation to be completed within six to eight hours. The Saudi Arabian government has announced that the Wukuf Day will fall on Thursday, the 9th day of Zulhijjah (June 5), followed by the celebration of Aidiladha on Friday, June 6.