FIRST BATCH OF HAJ PILGRIMS ARRIVE HOME

PENANG (Malaysia), Dec 17 (Bernama) -- The first batch of 347 haj pilgrims
from the northern states arrived at the Bayan Lepas International Airport here
Tuesday after they were stranded for six hours in Jeddah.

The delay was due to congestion at the check-in counters at the King Abdul
Aziz International Airport as haj pilgrims from all over the world were
returning home to their respective countries.

Housewife Rahmah Sulaiman, 74, who was greeted by family members who had
waited for her arrival since early morning, said she was thankful that she made
it safely home.

"I am grateful that we finally arrived home after the six-hour delay," she
said when met at the airport.

The pilgrims, whose estimated time of arrival was 5.30am, arrived at
12.10pm.

Penang Tabung Haji (Pilgrims' Fund) deputy director, Akmal Abdul Rahim
said, the pilgrims had been cooperative and understanding.

"They followed the orders given and made the process easier, however,
congestion at the registration counters in Jeddah could not be avoided," he said
after welcoming the pilgrims home.

Meanwhile, a haj pilgrim, Adam Abdullah, 50, said he was happy that he
could
carry out his haj with the help of trained Tabung Haji personnel there.

"Our journey in Mecca went without a glitch and I commend Tabung Haji's
efficiency in ensuring that each day went by smoothly," said Adam.
-- BERNAMA