Makkah: The implementation of the Makkah Route initiative is among the most significant changes in Malaysia's haj management operations, transforming the travel landscape for Malaysian pilgrims to the Holy Land, according to a Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) official. TH Maktab 63 operations manager Shahidan Taib said the facility not only speeds up pilgrims' arrival process in Saudi Arabia but also reduces physical and emotional fatigue after long journeys.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Shahidan, who has served with TH for 29 years, mentioned that before the implementation of the Makkah Route, Malaysian pilgrims had to endure long waiting times, ranging from five to six hours, at airports in Jeddah or Madinah to complete immigration procedures. Pilgrims used to face exhaustion due to prolonged journeys and crowded conditions. Now, immigration procedures are completed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), allowing pilgrims to board buses immediately upon arrival in Jeddah, reducing the process to about 30 minutes.
The transformation has significantly enhanced the smoothness of haj operations and improved the comfort of pilgrims, especially the elderly. Shahidan noted that the change in haj operations is also driven by the adoption of digital systems that have replaced several manual processes. Previously, most tasks were done manually with registration books and handwritten reports, but now, everything is more systematic with digital systems, aiding record-keeping and information access.
Technological advancements have allowed TH personnel to coordinate pilgrims' movements more efficiently and respond swiftly to any issues. Shahidan also acknowledged the Saudi Arabian government's role in ensuring smooth haj operations through stricter controls on pilgrim entries into the Masyair areas. Measures to prevent individuals without haj visas from entering pilgrimage areas have reduced congestion and improved bus movement.
One of the measures introduced is the 'seal bus' system, which ensures that only legitimate pilgrims are on board, making travel arrangements more orderly. Reflecting on past haj seasons, Shahidan recalled major challenges, such as disruptions to the shuttle or Taradudiya system during the 2003 haj season, which caused disorganised pilgrim movements. However, continuous improvements by TH and the Saudi Arabian authorities have made haj operations today more systematic, organised, and pilgrim-friendly.