Mecca: Since its inception over a decade ago, the Tabung Haji (TH) Patrol Unit, better known as the Lipan Bara team, has been instrumental in safeguarding the welfare of Malaysian pilgrims throughout their haj journey in the Holy Land. The unit assists those who are lost or face difficulties at the Grand Mosque, while also extending support to individuals with health concerns, regardless of age, reflecting TH’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and comfortable pilgrimage experience for Malaysian pilgrims.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, unit leader Sergeant Khairul Anuar Ramli, 53, stated that he and his team are always prepared to discharge their duties diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of Malaysian pilgrims during the 1446H/2025M haj season. The team faces various situations, with the most unforgettable involving reuniting pilgrims who were separated from their families at the Grand Mosque. Instances of scams have also occurred, where pilgrims paid for wheelchair services only to be abandoned halfway.

Customer service manager Zaini Rashid mentioned that the team operates in shifts with seven members on duty at one time, stationed at six hotspot locations, including the Marwah area and main entrances of the Grand Mosque. The team’s uniform, especially the distinctive red cap, was chosen to make them easily identifiable to pilgrims in need of help. Despite having only 15 members, the team remains committed to resolving every issue faced by pilgrims around Masjid Al-Haram.

Zaini Rashid also highlighted that the team has revised its previous 8-8-8 shift system covering 24 hours to 6, 8, and 10-hour rotations depending on the weather and time of day. This change was made to reduce fatigue and maintain alertness.

For Corporal Aqwa Hirzi Ahmad Norhisham, 31, who is serving in the Holy Land for the first time, the posting has been both meaningful and challenging. He expressed the honor of serving Allah’s guests while performing haj, noting the challenge of enduring the heat, especially from 2 pm to 3.30 pm when temperatures soar to 45°C. However, he noted that by Asar, temperatures cool down, making conditions more bearable.

This year, Saudi Arabia has allocated a haj quota of 31,600 pilgrims for Malaysia. They are scheduled to depart for Arafah on June 4, with wukuf expected on Thursday, June 5 or 9 Zulhijjah.