Latest news with #SaudiMinistryofInterior
Malaysian Reserve
a day ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Mohd Na'im: Saudi lets off 47 M'sian pilgrims with warning
KUALA LUMPUR — The 47 Malaysian pilgrims who violated the haj permit regulation after being duped by a local agent were only given a warning by the Saudi Arabian government. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said the pilgrims' release was due to the consistent discipline and good track record shown by Malaysian haj pilgrims in the Holy Land. 'Our number (of pilgrims involved) is small compared to other countries, and Malaysia has always maintained a good track record. 'Based on the information I have, there were no fines imposed, meaning the Saudi government has given them a chance and only issued a warning,' he told reporters. He was speaking at the PPZ-MAIWP Kasih Medik programme, which involved a financial aid contribution for patient transportation at the Batu Muda MAIWP-PICOMS Hemodialysis Centre here today. Mohd Na'im noted that Malaysia continues to enjoy various privileges and relaxations from the Saudi government, including the early issuance of the Nusuk card – a facility not extended to pilgrims from other countries. 'That is why I urge everyone not to let one mistake jeopardise future privileges for other Malaysian pilgrims,' he said. Mohd Na'im also advised Malaysians to learn from this incident and to only use official channels when performing the haj. The media previously reported that the pilgrimage of 47 senior citizens turned into an ordeal after they were duped by a local agent, forcing them to take risky routes to reach Makkah from Jeddah due to Saudi Arabia's strict enforcement against unauthorised haj pilgrims. In April, the Saudi Ministry of Interior announced penalties for individuals and parties violating haj permit regulations, including a 10-year entry ban into the kingdom. — BERNAMA
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Saudi lets off 47 M'sian pilgrims with warning - Mohd Na'im
KUALA LUMPUR: The 47 Malaysian pilgrims who violated the haj permit regulation after being duped by a local agent were only given a warning by the Saudi Arabian government. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said the pilgrims' release was due to the consistent discipline and good track record shown by Malaysian haj pilgrims in the Holy Land. 'Our number (of pilgrims involved) is small compared to other countries, and Malaysia has always maintained a good track record. 'Based on the information I have, there were no fines imposed, meaning the Saudi government has given them a chance and only issued a warning,' he told reporters. He was speaking at the PPZ-MAIWP Kasih Medik programme, which involved a financial aid contribution for patient transportation at the Batu Muda MAIWP-PICOMS Hemodialysis Centre here today. Mohd Na'im noted that Malaysia continues to enjoy various privileges and relaxations from the Saudi government, including the early issuance of the Nusuk card - a facility not extended to pilgrims from other countries. 'That is why I urge everyone not to let one mistake jeopardise future privileges for other Malaysian pilgrims,' he said. Mohd Na'im also advised Malaysians to learn from this incident and to only use official channels when performing the haj. The media previously reported that the pilgrimage of 47 senior citizens turned into an ordeal after they were duped by a local agent, forcing them to take risky routes to reach Makkah from Jeddah due to Saudi Arabia's strict enforcement against unauthorised haj pilgrims. In April, the Saudi Ministry of Interior announced penalties for individuals and parties violating haj permit regulations, including a 10-year entry ban into the kingdom.
Saudi Gazette
08-06-2025
- Saudi Gazette
A Saudi platform powered by AI to serve pilgrims
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — The Saudi Ministry of Interior, represented by the General Directorate of Public Security, and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) launched a smart platform powered by artificial intelligence. The platform represents a qualitative leap in integrating modern monitoring and reconnaissance technologies to support decision-makers in managing crowds and ensuring the safety of pilgrims. It relies on advanced technologies that combine remote sensing and geographic information systems to analyze satellite images with high accuracy. The smart platform represents an ambitious model for digital transformation within the goals of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, and embodies Saudi Arabia's commitment to employing the latest global technologies to serve the guests of God and ensure their security in the holy sites. It also contributes to raising the efficiency of security surveillance and survey technologies and improving field response by providing relevant authorities with comprehensive statistics and data. It also offers mechanisms for monitoring changes in surface temperatures, particularly in heat islands, in addition to detecting irregular patterns. The platform displays statistics and comparisons between data from the current season and previous seasons, contributing to future planning and the development of services provided to pilgrims and Umrah performers. Many security sectors affiliated with the General Directorate of Public Security benefit from the platform's services, across various vital sectors, during the Hajj season. This enhances coordination between various government agencies and supports an integrated response to potential challenges.
Roya News
07-06-2025
- Roya News
Hajj pilgrims perform stoning of Jamarat on first day of Tashreeq
On Saturday, pilgrims at the Grand Mosque in Makkah carried out the symbolic stoning of the three Jamarat on the first day of Tashreeq, following the previous day's ritual of casting stones at the largest Jamarah, Jamrat al-Aqaba. Many pilgrims also completed hair shaving or trimming, performed the Tawaf al-Ifadah (circumambulation of the Kaaba), and sacrificed animals as part of the required rituals. Friday, the first day of Eid al-Adha, saw pilgrims completing Tawaf al-Ifadah after standing at Arafat, spending the night at Muzdalifah, and casting stones at Jamrat al-Aqaba in Mina. The rituals were carried out in an atmosphere described as calm and well-organized. The Saudi Ministry of Interior urged pilgrims to follow designated routes when traveling to and from the Jamarat, Tawaf, and Sa'i areas. They advised against carrying luggage to the Jamarat and the Grand Mosque and emphasized adherence to crowd control schedules. The ministry also called for calm and orderly movement during the days of Tashreeq. Pilgrims began arriving at Mina early Friday morning, chanting as they prepared to complete the stoning ritual by throwing seven pebbles at the largest Jamarah. Following this, many proceeded to shave or trim their hair to complete the first stage of exiting Ihram.
Gulf Today
02-06-2025
- Gulf Today
Saudi announces SAR100,000 fine for sheltering visit visa holders during Hajj
The Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced that individuals found sheltering visit visa holders in the Holy City of Makkah or the Holy sites during the Hajj 2025 season will face strict penalties. This measure applies to any form of accommodation — including hotels, apartments, private residences, lodging centres, or Hajj housing sites — or who conceals them or provides assistance enabling them to remain in Makkah and the Holy sites from Dhu Al-Qidah 01 to Dhu Al-Hijjah 14. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on Monday, violators may be fined up to SAR100,000. The ministry warned that penalties will increase based on the number of violating individuals accommodated, sheltered, or assisted. A Muslim pilgrim enters the Grand Mosque ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah on Monday. AP The ministry also urged the public to comply with Hajj regulations and instructions, which are designed to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, allowing them to perform their rituals with ease and tranquility. Muslim pilgrims prepare to enter the Grand Mosque in Makkah. AP It also called on the public to report any violations of these regulations by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 999 in other regions of the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia stopped more than 269,000 people without permits for the annual Hajj pilgrimage from entering the Holy City of Makkah, officials said Sunday, as authorities crack down on illegal journeys into the city. The government blames overcrowding at the Hajj on unauthorised participants. It also says they made up large numbers of those who died in last year's searing summer heat. There are currently 1.4 million Muslims in Makkah officially, with more expected to arrive in the days to come.
