Hajj pilgrims urged caution amid Madinah heat forecast

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Religious Affairs announced that with temperatures in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, expected to reach 35 degrees Celsius, Hajj pilgrims are advised to pay extra attention to their health during the pilgrimage.

“For those who have already arrived in Madinah, the weather today is forecast to reach 35 degrees Celsius, with a humidity level of 14 percent. Therefore, please continue to maintain your health,” the ministry's Head of the Public Relations Bureau, Akhmad Fauzin, stated during a virtual press conference on the 1446 Hijri Hajj pilgrimage here on Monday.

Fauzin further advised the public to drink plenty of water, wear head protection, and choose comfortable clothing.

“Follow the officers and group leaders' instructions, and make use of the time to rest properly. Utilize the provided hotel facilities, and prioritize the obligatory worship,” he added.

He also emphasized that pilgrims should not hesitate to seek assistance if needed.

Earlier, Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated that Indonesian Hajj pilgrims now have better and more exclusive access to hospitals in Saudi Arabia.

“Now, we can reduce the number of staff we place at the Indonesian Hajj Health Office (KKHI) because Indonesian pilgrims have better and exclusive access to Saudi hospitals, so they do not have to wait too long at KKHI,” he remarked.

He explained that 2023 saw the highest number of Indonesian Hajj pilgrim deaths, with 773 reported, but in 2024, the number dropped significantly to 461 due to stricter health checks and better assistance.

Minister Sadikin also called for continued efforts to maintain pilgrims' health, as high mortality rates could lead to stricter requirements for future Hajj pilgrims.