Get Enough Rest Before Wukuf, Malaysian Haj Pilgrims Told

From Zabidi Ishar MAKKAH, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysian haj pilgrims have been advised to get enough rest before embarking on the Masya'ir operation during this haj season, including to perform the wukuf in Arafah and mabit in Muzdalifah and Mina. Malaysian haj delegation medical operation director Dr Matnoh Taib said this was because the pilgrims would need extra mental and physical strengths, especially during this hot weather condition, to embark on the Masya'ir operation from 8 to 13 Zulhijjah. "They have been warned about the hot weather condition that awaits them during wukuf in Arafah. We hope they will drink a lot of water and get enough rest before that to prevent heatstroke or any other health issues," he told a press conference here Sunday. He said although the pilgrims were not prohibited from performing umrah during the day, they were also advised not to get over excited to do it repeatedly. "The Masjidil Haram (Grand Mosque) is quite congested now and the movement of pilgrims is very slow under the hot sun. We are not preventing them from performing umrah multiple times, but they have to have the strength to complete the peak of the haj ritual in Arafah later," he said. Dr Matnoh said among the serious health issues detected among pilgrims during wukuf were lung infections and heart attacks. "But, based on my experience, heatstroke and dehydration were the most common problems faced by our pilgrims," he said. As such, he hope all Malaysian pilgrims would avoid being exposed to the scorching sun and to always keep water spray within their reach. Dr Matnoh said medical centres and clinics set up at all maktab would operate around the clock for the convenience of the pilgrims. "With the existing equipment, we are also capable of providing treatment for common illness," he said. However, he said for major health issues which needed further treatment, the patients would be sent to local hospitals. --BERNAMA