EASIER PASSAGE FOR MALAYSIAN PILGRIMS

From Zulkifli Salleh

MEDINA, Nov 7 (Bernama) -- It is now easier for Malaysian pilgrims to enter Medina as the Saudi Haj and Wakaf Ministry has enhanced the database of the pilgrims with the use of information and communication technology (ICT).

Its Muassasah Adilla manager, Marwan Gotah, said verification of the
pilgrims' documents at the Al-Hijrah checkpoint had been shortened by two to
three hours.

"The pilgrims have to wait only for a while at the Al-Hijrah station unlike
hours before. This saves the pilgrims' travelling time from Mecca to Medina and
vice versa by two to three hours," he told Malaysian reporters covering the
pilgrimage at the invitation of Lembaga Tabung Haji, here Thursday.

Besides checking the Haj visas, the Saudi authorities also check the
accommodation arrangements of the pilgrims.

Marwan said the new system was being tested on pilgrims from Southeast
Asian countries (except Indonesia) and China.

Indonesian pilgrims totalling 200,000 are being handled by another
agency.

Meanwhile, Malaysian pilgrims, who began arriving here since last Thursday,
have been performing prayers at the Nabawi Mosque and visiting historical
places, including the Prophet Muhammad mausoleum.

The weather is mild.

The first batch of pilgrims will leave for Mecca in stages Friday
night after a nine-day stay in Medina.

They will be performing umrah (small Haj) before starting the pilgrimage
early next month.