Kuala lumpur: Malaysian haj pilgrims receiving treatment in hospitals in Saudi Arabia are still able to perform wukuf in Arafah, the central rite of the pilgrimage. Head of the Malaysian Haj Delegation Mohd Hisham Harun stated that Lembaga Tabung Haji, in collaboration with its partner hospitals in Saudi Arabia, is making arrangements to ensure those undergoing treatment can be brought to Arafah, even if only briefly.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Hisham emphasized the efforts being made to accommodate these pilgrims. "We will do our best to bring them to Arafah, at least for a short period to perform wukuf. We understand they have waited a long time to perform the haj, so we will assist as much as possible," he said during a press conference.

He reported that a total of 16 Malaysian pilgrims have been referred to Saudi government hospitals, with conditions mostly involving heart, respiratory, neurological, and muscle-related issues linked to physical fatigue. Of these, four pilgrims are still receiving treatment, including one in intensive care and on respiratory support due to heart complications. "Their condition is reported to be stable and Tabung Haji continues to monitor their progress," Mohd Hisham added.

Overall, the health condition of Malaysian pilgrims remains good despite high temperatures in the Holy Land exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Mohd Hisham advised pilgrims to manage their physical activity, get adequate rest, and avoid prolonged exposure to the heat, especially ahead of wukuf. "We understand pilgrims are eager to perform prayers at Masjidil Haram, but they need to conserve energy as haj rituals require significant physical movement, including the stoning ritual (melontar jamrah) and mabit (staying overnight in Mina). Get sufficient rest, maintain proper nutrition, and avoid outdoor activities during extreme heat," he advised.