KEDAH HAJ PILGRIM HAPPY WITH TH SPECIAL TREATMENT

From Noor Shamsiah Mohamed@Ismail

MADINAH, May 9 (Bernama) -- The exhaustion experienced by a senior citizen who had to endure an over 400 km journey from Alor Setar to Kuala Lumpur, followed by an eight-hour flight to Madinah, disappeared as soon as he arrived at Emaar Royal Hotel here.

Abdul Ghani Ismail, in his 70s, said it was due to the special treatment from Tabung Haji (TH) staff since his departure from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) last night.

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"…I am so happy (with the treatment) that I don't know what to say. The happiest moment last night was when the Religious Minister (Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar) came to greet and send us off personally," he told reporters here today.

Abdul Ghani is one of the 282 first-batch pilgrims, consisting of 115 male and 167 female pilgrims, who safely arrived here this morning on Malaysia Airlines flight MH8050 before they were transported to the hotel.

Wan Draman Wan Abdullah, 68, from Kelantan, said he was grateful that his 15-year-wait to fulfil the fifth pillar of Islam ended this Haj season.

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He said the offer to become a Duyufurrahman (guest of Allah) came after he sold one of his houses, adding that the money from the sale is used to cover his Haj expenses.

Ramli Md Saad, 79, from Perlis, said he was excited to perform the Haj despite his age, saying that he was grateful to be able to do so this year.

Last year, the retired teacher was forced to postpone the pilgrimage due to his wife's health issues.

"Alhamdulillah, my wish has been granted this year, and I will make the most of this opportunity," he added. 

--BERNAMA