Madinah: Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) personnel are fully prepared to receive the first group of prospective Malaysian hajj pilgrims for the 1446H/2025M season, scheduled to arrive on April 29. Director of Madinah operations and Vice Consul for Malaysian hajj affairs, Affandi Abdullah, announced that TH will station personnel across various zones, including financial services, counselling, health, and customer service. A health clinic will be operational at the TH headquarters in Roha Al Madinah to facilitate the pilgrims' arrival.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Affandi Abdullah emphasized the experience of over 50 percent of TH personnel in handling annual operations, ensuring readiness to welcome this year's first group of pilgrims. Approximately 70 hajj personnel from Malaysia, including health staff, are expected to arrive in Madinah soon to commence this season's hajj operations.
Affandi mentioned that despite the challenges of last-minute preparations, all arrangements are proceeding smoothly. Out of the 632 TH personnel this season, 122 will be assigned to manage the pilgrims in Madinah. The Malaysian pilgrims will arrive in stages, with the first group expected to land at 7.50 am (local time) at the Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Madinah, via Malaysia Airlines.
He further stated that the pilgrims are expected to stay in Madinah for six days and five nights. During their stay, they will participate in pilgrimage programs, attend classes, and undergo acclimatization before departing for Makkah on the seventh day. For accommodation, TH has arranged three buildings in Madinah: Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick, Saja Al Madinah, and Emaar Royal Hotel Madinah. The first group will be housed at the Emaar Royal Hotel Madinah, located 300 meters from the Prophet's Mosque, with a capacity to host up to 1,800 pilgrims during peak periods.
Affandi also noted the establishment of a counter for registering prepaid SIM cards from STC, a telecommunications operator in Saudi Arabia. The first flight for prospective Malaysian hajj pilgrims to the Holy Land is scheduled to depart on April 29, with the final flight set for June 1. This year, Wukuf Day, which falls on the 9th day of Zulhijjah, is expected to occur on Thursday, June 5.