Haj: Sahabat Maktab volunteer programme gets overwhelming response

MAKKAH, Saudi - The Sahabat Maktab volunteer programme has received overwhelming response from among Malaysian Haj pilgrims for the 1444 Hijrah season.

Head of the Malaysian Haj Delegation, Datuk Seri Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman said Tabung Haji (TH) appointed 315 Sahabat Maktab volunteers this time, but received twice as many applications from potential pilgrims to participate in the programme that has been in place since 2006.

"I am very proud of the seriousness and attitude of wanting to help shown by Malaysian pilgrims this year, so many want to become Sahabat Maktab volunteers.

"However, we have a limit in terms of the number and select based on certain criteria," he told reporters after the ceremony to appoint Sahabat Maktab volunteers here.

According to him, among criteria were being healthy, having the spirit of volunteerism and highly motivated in addition to having good communication skills.

Syed Saleh said that in addition to the services of 670 TH staff, Sahabat Maktab volunteers also played a role in helping pilgrims perform their first Umrah (minor Haj), elderly people who need help and the smooth operation of the Haj during the peak days of the Haj piligrimage including the wukuf in Arafah, the mabit in Mudzalifah and the stone throwing ritual in Mina.

He said 35 Sahabat Maktab were appointed for each of the nine residential colleges (for Malaysian Haj pilgrims) covering three categories, namely Sahabat (Companion) of Hujjaj, Sahabat Ibadat (Worship) and Sahabat Medik (medical assistance).

Islamic Affairs Officer of the Federal Territories Mufti's Office, Muhammad Muazul Amin Mohd Adlan, 27, said he joined the programme to continue his family's tradition in addition to wanting to help pilgrims in need.

"My mother who performed the Haj in 2008 became a Sahabat Maktab volunteer, as did my sister and brother-in-law," he said. - BERNAMA