476 Malaysian hajj pilgrims stranded in Jeddah since Saturday

A total of 476 Malaysian hajj pilgrims, believed to be under the supervision of the Pilgrims Fund Board (TH), were stranded in Jeddah since Saturday due to the rescheduling of their flight.

Senator Isa Ab Hamid, who was among the stranded. said he was led to understand the postponement of the flight schedule was due to the technical hitch to the aircraft which should have departed from the King Abdul Aziz Airport, Jeddah to the KL International Airport on Aug 24.

Until to date, he said that the TH management had yet to inform them the date and time of the flight from Jeddah to Malaysia after the postponement.

Isa, who was still in Jeddah, said this had caused emotional stress among the hajj pilgrims due to shortage of money and inadequate change of clothes.

‘Today is the third day (being stranded) and there is still no schedule home. Many of the hajj pilgrims have no additional funds while their bags are already checked into the aircraft.

“Many hajj pilgrims have become stressed and counsellors have not been provided until to date,’’ he told Bernama through WhatsApp today, adding that all the stranded hajj pilgrims were currently staying at two hotels in Jeddah.

Most, he said, were from Johor, Kelantan and Kedah.

However, he said that the TH management was very helpful in the aspect of accommodation, food and drinks and transportation.

“The services of a doctor have been provided by TH to treat several hajj pilgrims who are ill.

“..but much has to be improved in hajj management especially when there is a crisis like this or unexpected problems,’’ he added.

- Bernama