MORE THAN 5,000 HAJ PILGRIMS FROM MALAYSIA ARRIVE IN MEDINA

From Ahmad Kamil Tahir

MEDINA, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- A total of 5,310 Haj pilgrims from Malaysia have
arrived in Medina so far, through 14 flights specially chartered by the
Malaysian Pilgrims Fund.
A Malaysian Pilgrims Fund spokesman said Saturday 349 personnel were now in
Saudi Arabia to monitor and assist the pilgrims.
He also said that the Malaysian Haj pilgrims were in good health and were on
a tour of several places organised by Malaysian Pilgrims Fund officials.

Some 26,000 Malaysians are expected to perform the Haj pilgrimage this year.

The fund's tours to places of interest include Mount Uhud, where the Battle
of Uhud between the Muslims and Meccans took place, and also the cemetery where
the fallen Muslim warriors were buried.

A pilgrim, Rosni Mahmud Zahidi, said the battle at Uhud symbolised the
strong commitment of Muslims in defending Islam and Prophet Muhammad.

Her husband, Mohd Marzuki Mohd Rajis , thanked the Malaysian Pilgrim Fund
for organising the visit .

"This visit, besides, making us realise the sacrifices of Muslims before in
defending the religion, also gives us strength to face whatever challenges and
problems that may come our way in performing the pilgrimage," he added.

--BERNAMA