Makkah: They are neither soldiers nor armed personnel, and they do not wear military uniforms, yet the presence of 'Semut Hitam' (black ants) around Masjidil Haram is well recognised among Malaysian haj pilgrims. Dressed entirely in black with green stripes as their field identity, the special patrol team from the Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) is often among the first to assist pilgrims who lose their way, become disoriented or require immediate help amid the sea of people in the holy city of Makkah.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, despite their small numbers, their role is significant, especially as millions of Muslims begin converging at key places of worship during the haj season. TH Patrol Unit chief Ahmad Fauzee Mohamad Salleh said the 15-member team is stationed at six strategic control posts around Masjidil Haram and bus areas to ensure assistance can be provided swiftly to Malaysian pilgrims. 'Our role is as the second line of support. When pilgrims lose their way or need urgent help, we move to the location immediately,' he told reporters recently.

He mentioned that many pilgrims, especially first-timers, are still confused about routes and the accommodation zone system despite having received briefings before arriving in the Holy Land. With temperatures reaching 41 degrees Celsius and crowd density increasing around Masjidil Haram, patrol unit members are always prepared to assist pilgrims in need. 'Some pilgrims only follow the colour of their bags without checking the colour of the accommodation zone lanyard. As a result, they get lost and board buses to the wrong location,' he explained.

Ahmad Fauzee added that the accommodation zone system was introduced to help pilgrims identify their respective accommodation areas and prevent them from entering the wrong zones. He said patrol members are stationed along main routes and at key congregation points to ensure comprehensive monitoring at all times. Besides helping lost pilgrims, the team members also serve as first responders in emergencies, including assisting pilgrims who are ill, experiencing breathing difficulties or separated from their groups.

Each member also undergoes basic emergency aid and CPR training to enable early treatment before pilgrims are sent to nearby health facilities. According to Ahmad Fauzee, the team operates in three daily shifts to ensure their continuous presence on the ground. 'Although we are small in number, our role is crucial as we work directly with the pilgrims,' he said. Amid the millions of worshippers at Masjidil Haram, the presence of the 'Semut Hitam' may go largely unnoticed, but for Malaysian pilgrims who have received their assistance, they are a constant lifeline in times of need.