MECCA: Malaysian haj pilgrims will depart early for Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina this year to avoid congestion, as two million pilgrims from around the world converge for the Masyair phase of the annual pilgrimage. Datuk Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman, head of the 1438H Haj Delegation, said the Saudi government’s move to increase the haj quota this year has led to an additional 600,000 to 700,000 pilgrims. “With more pilgrims than before, the tents in Arafah and Mina will also be a bit cramped. During the visit, Syed Saleh and other Tabung Haji (TH) officials saw first-hand some of the improvements made by Saudi agency Muassasah Southeast Asia for this year’s haj season. Syed Saleh said another concern this year will be the hot weather, which is expected to range between 45 and 50 degrees Celsius in the afternoon.

Source: New Strait Times August 24, 2017 01:18 UTC