Agong Advises Haj Pilgrims To Observe Hygiene To Prevent H1N1 Infection

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin today advised the 26,000 Malaysian Haj pilgrims this year to observe personal hygiene and cleanliness of their surroundings while in the Holy Land in order to check the spread of Influenza A(H1N1).

The King also advised the pilgrims to be patient at all times when performing the fifth tenet (Haj) of Islam as they would be facing the tests from Allah, besides protecting the image and good name of their country.

"The Raja Permaisuri and I pray that you will have a perfect Haj, be in good health and return home safely," Tuanku Mizan said in his speech to bid bon voyage to the second group of Haj pilgrims numbering 350 at the Tabung Haji Complex in Kelana Jaya, near here.

Also present were Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah, Saudi Arabian ambassador to Malaysia Mohamed Reda Abu Al-Hamayel and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Jamil Khir Baharom.

Later at a press conference, Jamil Khir said Malaysia had once again gained recognition from the Saudi Arabian government for Tabung Haji's ability in providing the best pilgrim management service.

He said the Saudi Arabian government had chosen Malaysia to be the yardstick for all aspects of pilgrim management and urged the other countries to adopt the Malaysian model.

On the Malaysian pilgrims, Jamil Khir said although all of them had taken the seasonal influenza vaccine jabs as a precaution, they must strictly observe personal hygiene and the suggested measures to prevent Influenza A(H1N1).

As an added precaution, he said, Tabung Haji's medical team complete with specialists and sufficient equipment was already in Mecca to face any possibility.

Today, 1,082 Haj pilgrims left or will be leaving for the Holy Land from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The first batch of 382 pilgrims departed at 3.30am and the second batch (350) this afternoon, while the third batch (350) will leave tonight.

Besides KLIA, departures on board Malaysia Airlines and Saudi Arabian Airlines for Haj pilgrims will also be from Kuala Terengganu, Penang, Johor Baharu, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

-- BERNAMA

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Independent news portal about Malaysia Malaysian issues Malaysian politics. ... PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry is spending RM14mil to purchase 400000 doses of influenza A(H1N1) vaccine. so can anyone tell me how many millions will go into which deep pockets? smilies/tongue.gif. Is there a 10% minister? report abuse. disagree 1. agree 7 ... written by raven1958, October 14, 2009 14:27:58. This is why Malaysians need to buy Health Insurance. ...