Over 600 Haj Pilgrims Vie For Chance To Become Sahabat Maktab Volunteers

From Amirul Mohd Sajadi

MAKKAH, May 8 (Bernama) -- Besides being guests of Allah, more than 600 Malaysian haj pilgrims this season have volunteered through the Sahabat Maktab (pilgrim companion) programme to help ensure the smooth running of haj operations in the Holy Land.

Although only 180 individuals were selected from that number to assist in the management and welfare of pilgrims at six Muassasah maktabs, Malaysian Haj Delegation head Mohd Hisham Harun described the overwhelming response as proof of the strong spirit of unity and volunteerism among Malaysian pilgrims.

“This is a very positive development. They come as guests of Allah, but at the same time want to contribute their energy and help ensure the smooth running of haj operations.

“Even without any reward or payment, many are interested because they see helping fellow pilgrims as part of their act of worship,” he told the media after launching the Sahabat Maktab programme here today.

He said the Sahabat Maktab volunteers play an important role, especially during the masyair operations involving the movement of pilgrims from Makkah to Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina.

According to Mohd Hisham, the volunteers help manage pilgrims’ movements, guide them to their tents, assist elderly and less able pilgrims, and ensure the boarding and disembarking process for buses runs smoothly.

He said the volunteers were selected based on their health, physical fitness, and specific backgrounds, including experience in medical services and religious affairs.

Meanwhile, lawyer Hairul Iswandy Kadai, 47, described the opportunity to serve as a Sahabat Maktab volunteer as a chance to contribute to the welfare of Allah’s guests.

“I believe worship is not limited to prayers and recitation, but also includes helping others. As long as I have the strength, I want to help in any way needed,” he said, adding that he had been actively involved in volunteer work since his student days and wanted to continue that spirit in the Holy Land.

His wife, Maslinawati Mohamad, 47, said her husband had already begun helping fellow pilgrims even before being officially appointed as a Sahabat Maktab volunteer.

“I could already see at the airport that he was busy helping staff and pilgrims. He is also trained in CPR and emergency assistance, so perhaps those are among the strengths that can be put to good use later,” she said.

The Sahabat Maktab programme was introduced by Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) as an initiative to strengthen pilgrim management and welfare through the involvement of volunteers from among the pilgrims themselves throughout the haj season.

-- BERNAMA