Jeddah: Hot weather, with temperatures expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius throughout this year's haj season, could test the physical endurance of pilgrims, especially during the peak of rituals in Arafah.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia's Consul General in Jeddah, Tengku Mohd Dzaraif Raja Abdul Kadir, stated that the extreme heat could increase health risks such as dehydration and heatstroke if precautionary measures are not taken. He emphasized the importance of ensuring adequate water intake and limiting unnecessary outdoor activities during peak heat hours to cope with the high temperatures.

Tengku Mohd Dzaraif stressed the need for pilgrims to be more mindful of their health to ensure that rituals can be performed smoothly despite temperatures that can exceed 40 degrees Celsius. He made these remarks following the welcoming ceremony for Malaysian haj pilgrims KT01 in Makkah for the 2026 haj season last Thursday.

He also reminded pilgrims to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, extreme fatigue, or confusion to prevent their condition from worsening. The 2024 haj season recorded among the highest temperatures in history, reaching 51.2 degrees Celsius, highlighting the extreme heat conditions faced by pilgrims.