@syed putra , you got joining the photo taking session?
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sin...-mecca-saudi-arabia-heat-injury-crowd-4435336
Singaporeans recall challenge of Haj pilgrimage in scorching, life-threatening heat
Three travel agencies, which handled more than 470 pilgrims, said some came down with fever and others had cracked heels and blisters.
Singapore pilgrims at the Great Mosque of Mecca during the 2024 Haj pilgrimage. (Photo: Noor Mohamad Services & Travel)
SINGAPORE: Singaporeans who went on this year's Haj pilgrimage had to battle scorching heat, dry weather and massive crowds.
Those who returned home on Tuesday (Jun 25) after completing the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia recalled temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius as they did their religious rituals outdoors.
The annual pilgrimage, which falls in June this year, has seen more than 1,300 deaths out of 1.8 million pilgrims from all over the world, according to Saudi authorities.
Temperatures reached 51.8 degrees Celsius at the Grand Mosque in Mecca last week, according to media reports citing the country's National Meteorological Centre.
The Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and all Muslims with the means must complete it at least once.
Due to steep demand, countries are given a quota for pilgrims to prevent overcrowding.
Similar to 2023, Singapore was allocated 900 places this year. Prospective pilgrims could choose from more than 20 approved packages offered by eight authorised travel agents for travel between Jun 3 and Jul 7.
The first batch of Singapore pilgrims to complete the Haj returned on Monday.
In response to CNA's queries, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) said that Singaporean pilgrims are generally in a good state of health.
Three travel agencies that CNA spoke to had around 478 pilgrims. Some came down with coughs and fever, but no one had serious illnesses.
Pilgrims were advised to keep themselves hydrated, avoid outdoor activities when temperatures peaked around noon and wear protective gear like sunglasses, MUIS and travel agencies said.
They were also told to keep healthy and fit in preparation for their trip weeks in advance.
Travel agencies also had trained medical officials accompany their entourages.
Singapore pilgrims are welcomed home by friends and relatives at Changi Airport on Jun 25 after completing their Haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. (Photo: CNA/Koh Wan Ting)
A tent located at Mount Arafat provides an air-conditioned resting point for pilgrims. (Photos: Noor Mohamad Services & Travel)
A handful had pre-existing health conditions that had to be managed on the go but were certified fit for travel, said Mr Haffidz.
About 80 per cent of Jalaluddin Travel & Services' pilgrims were at least 50 years old. The agency reminded pilgrims with chronic illnesses to ensure that they brought enough medication, and that they were medically fit to travel.
During the Haj, the team's nurse clinician regularly checked pilgrims' blood pressure, and oxygen and glucose levels.
"This is especially useful for our aged patients who do not bring this equipment with them and to keep their health in check," said Mdm Faizah.
She also prepped pilgrims by advising them to increase their activity level months before departing for the Haj.
Pilgrim Muhammad Sofwat, 38, who travelled with a group with members ranging from 50 to more than 60 years old, said they took buses and taxis for long distances but had to walk shorter distances of about 2km at times.
"They are easily tired ... For us it's very short, but for them, they are surely exhausted," the logistics management officer said. He shared videos that showed some pilgrims being pushed in wheelchairs for certain legs of the journey.
But the going was tough even for younger travellers like Ms Rugaiyah, who had to ensure she stayed hydrated before and after each ritual, and packed instant ice packs for times when the heat became overwhelming.
"Completing these rituals, while ensuring that the well-being and safety of our pilgrims were well taken care of at every step of the way, was challenging but truly a fulfilling experience."
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https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sin...-mecca-saudi-arabia-heat-injury-crowd-4435336
Singaporeans recall challenge of Haj pilgrimage in scorching, life-threatening heat
Three travel agencies, which handled more than 470 pilgrims, said some came down with fever and others had cracked heels and blisters.
Singapore pilgrims at the Great Mosque of Mecca during the 2024 Haj pilgrimage. (Photo: Noor Mohamad Services & Travel)
SINGAPORE: Singaporeans who went on this year's Haj pilgrimage had to battle scorching heat, dry weather and massive crowds.
Those who returned home on Tuesday (Jun 25) after completing the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia recalled temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius as they did their religious rituals outdoors.
The annual pilgrimage, which falls in June this year, has seen more than 1,300 deaths out of 1.8 million pilgrims from all over the world, according to Saudi authorities.
Temperatures reached 51.8 degrees Celsius at the Grand Mosque in Mecca last week, according to media reports citing the country's National Meteorological Centre.
The Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and all Muslims with the means must complete it at least once.
Due to steep demand, countries are given a quota for pilgrims to prevent overcrowding.
Similar to 2023, Singapore was allocated 900 places this year. Prospective pilgrims could choose from more than 20 approved packages offered by eight authorised travel agents for travel between Jun 3 and Jul 7.
The first batch of Singapore pilgrims to complete the Haj returned on Monday.
In response to CNA's queries, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) said that Singaporean pilgrims are generally in a good state of health.
Three travel agencies that CNA spoke to had around 478 pilgrims. Some came down with coughs and fever, but no one had serious illnesses.
Pilgrims were advised to keep themselves hydrated, avoid outdoor activities when temperatures peaked around noon and wear protective gear like sunglasses, MUIS and travel agencies said.
They were also told to keep healthy and fit in preparation for their trip weeks in advance.
Travel agencies also had trained medical officials accompany their entourages.
ELDERLY NEED MORE HELP
Halijah Travels handled 220 pilgrims averaging 55 to 65 in age, with the oldest an 83-year-old woman.A handful had pre-existing health conditions that had to be managed on the go but were certified fit for travel, said Mr Haffidz.
About 80 per cent of Jalaluddin Travel & Services' pilgrims were at least 50 years old. The agency reminded pilgrims with chronic illnesses to ensure that they brought enough medication, and that they were medically fit to travel.
During the Haj, the team's nurse clinician regularly checked pilgrims' blood pressure, and oxygen and glucose levels.
"This is especially useful for our aged patients who do not bring this equipment with them and to keep their health in check," said Mdm Faizah.
She also prepped pilgrims by advising them to increase their activity level months before departing for the Haj.
Pilgrim Muhammad Sofwat, 38, who travelled with a group with members ranging from 50 to more than 60 years old, said they took buses and taxis for long distances but had to walk shorter distances of about 2km at times.
"They are easily tired ... For us it's very short, but for them, they are surely exhausted," the logistics management officer said. He shared videos that showed some pilgrims being pushed in wheelchairs for certain legs of the journey.
But the going was tough even for younger travellers like Ms Rugaiyah, who had to ensure she stayed hydrated before and after each ritual, and packed instant ice packs for times when the heat became overwhelming.
"Completing these rituals, while ensuring that the well-being and safety of our pilgrims were well taken care of at every step of the way, was challenging but truly a fulfilling experience."
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