Makkah: The Pilgrims’ Fund Board (Tabung Haji – TH), through the Research and Development Division of the Haj Department, has unveiled a new navigation platform named GoogleWalk to aid Malaysian pilgrims in navigating their way back to their accommodations in the Holy Land.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, TH Maktab Operations director Mohd Fahmi Kamarudin stated that the platform, which utilizes Google Maps, was specifically developed for Malaysian pilgrims residing at seven Haj Pilgrims Accommodation Buildings (BPJH) in Makkah. “Alhamdulillah, this year, the management of TH Maktab Operations has introduced a new platform to help pilgrims identify the route to their respective accommodation buildings,” he remarked, adding that the platform is accessible via WhatsApp groups for every KT and can be used to secure local taxi or bus services to ease the pilgrims’ journey back to their lodgings.
Mohd Fahmi highlighted that the platform is an enhancement of the prior use of live location via WhatsApp and was created based on extensive research conducted over several years. He emphasized that the platform is user-friendly, conserves internet data, and is particularly helpful for pilgrims who may become disoriented, especially after performing the Umrah in the Mas’a area between Safa and Marwah.
Although the platform does not include a tracker, pilgrims can share their current location, enabling TH staff to assist in locating them and providing directions. According to him, this is the platform’s inaugural use for the haj season, being integrated with the haj staff’s e-book, which has also been expanded for pilgrims’ use. Statistics indicate a significant number of pilgrims getting lost each year, especially during congestion around the Grand Mosque, hence the platform is expected to positively impact daily operations and enhance pilgrims’ safety.
Meanwhile, pilgrim Sudiman Ahmad Tinggal, staying at Abraj Al-Tayseer, commended the navigation platform as a noteworthy advancement by TH, particularly in aiding pilgrims’ movement during their stay in the Holy Land. “It is very convenient, where with just one click, this application directly takes us to our destination. InsyaAllah, it really helps and benefits us pilgrims,” he shared.