Pilgrims advised to send purchases home via post for smoother worship, hassle-free return journey
MAKKAH: Malaysian pilgrims are advised to plan their purchases and arrange to post items home early while in the Holy Land to ensure a smoother worship experience, especially in preparation for Wukuf Day, and to provide greater comfort during their return journey home.
Pilgrims Fund Board (TH) External Services Manager Mohamad Zamry Mohd Noor said in previous Haj seasons, many pilgrims tend to buy souvenirs and gifts at the last minute, when that period should instead be fully devoted to acts of worship, especially during the Masyair phase.
'Pilgrims are encouraged to immediately send purchased items to the mailing counter provided in the accommodation lobby without bringing them up to their rooms. This measure helps avoid room congestion, ensuring greater comfort and preventing fatigue when returning home.
'Imagine if pilgrims have to carry more than 10 kilogrammes...it's like lifting a sack of rice. The journey from the accommodation to the airport, including climbing stairs and handling luggage for check-in and into the aircraft cabin, can be extremely tiring.
'In the end, pilgrims arrive home completely exhausted,' he said when met by the media here recently.
He said that as of May 18, more than 85,000 kg of pilgrims' belongings had been posted back to Malaysia since April 29, with an estimated cost of nearly 1.5 million Saudi Riyals.
Mohamad Zamry said pilgrims can also send copies of the Quran through the postal service, with each copy properly wrapped and affixed with a special sticker.
These items will be handled separately to ensure their safety and proper preservation, he said.
He said according to the agreement between Tabung Haji and the shipping company, each package is covered by takaful guarantee and is assured of safe delivery to Malaysia.
'In the event of loss, the shipping company is responsible for paying compensation to the pilgrims. For items worth more than RM1,000, pilgrims can also choose to take out additional insurance coverage by making a payment to the shipping company,' he said.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Zamry reminded pilgrims not to post Zamzam water, as it is classified as a prohibited item by the Saudi Arabian government.
'There were a few pilgrims in the previous haj seasons who sent Zamzam water in small bottles via cargo delivery without the knowledge of the operator, and this action ultimately resulted in their goods being detained or not reaching Malaysia,' he said.
For this year's haj season, TH approved five logistics companies, including their subsidiaries, to provide postal service for Malaysian pilgrims in the Holy Land.
They are TH Travel & Services Sdn Bhd, Post Malaysia Berhad, FGV Transport Services Sdn Bhd, MASkargo and Logistics Sdn. Bhd and KTH Logistics Sdn Bhd.
In Madinah, the service is available at Saja Al Madinah Hotel, Emaar Royal Hotel and Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick, while in Makkah, there are at Abraj Al Janadriyah, Qasar Janadriyah, Rehab Janadriyah, Abraj Al Tayseer, Diary Al Saad, Land Premium and Al Fajar Al Badee 5.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
10 hours ago
- Barnama
Chorsu Bazaar: The Beating Heart Of Tashkent
BUSINESS From Siti Radziah Hamzah TASHKENT, June 23 (Bernama) -- 'Malaysia, Malaysia! Come here, I will give you a discount!' – such was the enthusiastic greeting echoing from nearly every tea, nuts and spice stall on the upper floor of Chorsu Bazaar, one of Tashkent's most iconic and historic markets. The unexpected familiarity left me amused as I turned to my photographer, Fathin Suhaira Abd Rahim, and remarked that Malaysians must have built quite the reputation for their spending habits not just at home, but abroad as well. In Uzbekistan, it seems, that reputation has reached legendary status. Local traders recognise and welcome Malaysians at first glance, reflecting the growing presence and warm perception of Malaysian tourists in this Central Asian nation. What began as a friendly sales pitch quickly revealed something more telling: in Uzbekistan, Malaysians aren't just recognised, they're genuinely welcomed. Many stallholders could instantly identify us as Malaysians even before we spoke, often greeting us with warm smiles and enthusiastic offers of discounts. This immediate recognition underscores how Malaysian tourists have become a visible and valued presence in countries far beyond Southeast Asia. Whether driven by word-of-mouth among vendors or the steady stream of Malaysian tour groups, the perception of Malaysians as friendly, polite, and generous customers has clearly taken root. It reflects the growing number of Malaysian travellers exploring new destinations like Uzbekistan, and the meaningful people-to-people connections forged through simple acts of trade and hospitality.
New Straits Times
11 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysian evacuated from Iran recalls enduring similar trauma 40 years ago
SEPANG: A sense of relief sank in as the 24 people, including 17 Malaysians, evacuated from conflict-stricken Iran stepped foot at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport last night. For some, it was a return to peace. For others, it was déjà vu as the evacuees from Iran recounted their ordeals. Dr Suraiya Ali, one of the evacuees, said the evacuation marked the second time she had been trapped in conflict in the Islamic republic, the first being over four decades ago during the Iran–Iraq war. "Forty years ago, after I got married and finished my studies, I lived in Iran. I was there when the Iran–Iraq war broke out. "I even worked there briefly but had to return to Malaysia when my son was just two years old. "I never returned until two weeks ago, and once again, war broke out. I was trapped twice, 40 years apart," she told reporters when met at KLIA. Dr Suraiya had travelled to Iran on June 13 with her husband to celebrate Aidiladha and visit her family. They were scheduled to return on June 18, but flight cancellations and airport closures left them stranded. "We didn't know what to do. My husband bought tickets to Dubai for June 29, but the situation kept deteriorating," she said. Her prayers were answered when her son in Malaysia informed her that the Malaysian Embassy in Tehran and Wisma Putra had arranged an evacuation. "That same night, we boarded a 15-hour bus ride from Shiraz to Tehran to meet the embassy's departure deadline. "I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Malaysian government and Wisma Putra. "The embassy staff treated us like family. It wasn't easy, we endured long journeys and dangerous roads, but we were never left on our own," she said. Meanwhile, for 33-year-old Fadli Yusni, the crisis pushed him to make a bold decision. He attempted to fly to Iran to be with his wife, Zainab, an Iranian national and student in Malaysia who had been stranded while visiting her parents. "I couldn't just wait here. I wanted to go to her, to bring her home myself," he said. But his effort fell short. Fadli only made it as far as Uzbekistan before the conflict forced him to abandon the mission. "The past 10 days were filled with panic. I kept checking the news, my phone. Every time I couldn't reach her, I feared the worst," he said. Fadli eventually sought help from the Malaysian Embassy in Tehran, staying in close contact with Ambassador Khairi Omar, who assisted him in registering Zainab for evacuation. "I told her to immediately get in touch with the embassy. Alhamdulillah, everything went smoothly after that. "I'm truly grateful to everyone involved," he said. The evacuees' journey involved a 1,000 kilometre overland route from Tehran to the Iran–Turkmenistan border, an overnight stop, and flights from Ashgabat via Bangkok before finally landing at KLIA. They were greeted by their loved ones at KLIA's arrival hall, with smiles and sighs of relief as families reunited after their arduous journey across borders and multiple countries.
Daily Express
11 hours ago
- Daily Express
Devt dilemma: How Sabah can learn from Penang
Published on: Monday, June 23, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 23, 2025 By: Dr Iling Ma, Dg Shamimi Yusri Text Size: Sabah, while rich in natural and cultural assets, has not yet fully capitalised on its potential. Tourism remains underdeveloped in many areas, and access to rural communities remains limited. Products made by local entrepreneurs often struggle to reach wider markets. PENANG'S success in developing a diversified economy anchored in digital innovation, industrial growth, and a thriving tourism sector serves as a compelling model for other Malaysian states. While Penang's development has been shaped by its own history, location and population, there are strategies that could help Sabah strengthen its socio-economic growth. The goal is not to replicate Penang's model but to reflect on Sabah's unique context and apply lessons that are practical and relevant. Sabah has long been appreciated for its natural landscapes and diverse cultures. The State is home to over 30 indigenous groups, each with distinct languages, customs, and traditions. From the Kadazan-Dusun and Murut in the interior to the Bajau and Suluk along the eastern coast, Sabah's social fabric is rich and multifaceted. Subscribe or LOG IN to access this article. Support Independant Journalism Subscribe to Daily Express Malaysia Access to DE E-Paper Access to DE E-Paper Exclusive News Exclusive News Invites to special events Invites to special events Giveaways & Rewards 1-Year Most Popular (Income Tax Deductible) Explore Plans Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
