KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 — All Malaysian pilgrims were reported safe following a fire incident at a hotel in Makkah yesterday, said the Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra).
The fire was reported at 5pm local time on March 12 at the Hotel Mira Ajyad in the city. Initial information indicates that about 70 pilgrims were staying at the hotel.
Upon receiving information about the incident, the ministry, via the Consulate-General of Malaysia in Jeddah, immediately coordinated with the Saudi authorities and Malaysian Umrah travel agencies to ensure the safety of the pilgrims staying at the hotel.
“Initial information indicates that about 70 Malaysian pilgrims under the management of TH Travel, Zahafiz Travel, and Rayhar Travel were staying at the hotel.
“All three agencies have confirmed that all Malaysian pilgrims under their management are safe and have been accounted for,” Wisma Putra said in a statement today.
A follow-up inspection by the Consulate-General of Malaysia in Jeddah at 7.20pm local time found that several Malaysian pilgrims were also seen gathering safely around the hotel area.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Saudi authorities, and so far there are no indications that the incident was caused by a drone attack or sabotage.
It added that for safety reasons, guests are not allowed to return to their rooms while investigations and safety inspections are being conducted by the local authorities.
“If there is a delay in obtaining permission to return to the hotel, the hotel management together with the respective travel agencies will arrange temporary accommodation for affected guests,” Wisma Putra said.
Via the Consulate-General, it will continue to monitor the situation closely and remain in contact with the Saudi authorities and Malaysian travel agencies to ensure the safety and welfare of Malaysian pilgrims are safeguarded.
It also advised Malaysian pilgrims currently in Makkah to remain calm and comply with instructions issued by the local authorities and their respective travel agencies.
Malaysians requiring consular assistance may contact the Consulate-General of Malaysia in Jeddah at +966 126 727 740 or +966 573 099 589, or via email at mwjeddah@kln.gov.my.
