LIPAN BARA TEAM BRAVES THE HEAT TO WATCH OVER MALAYSIAN PILGRIMS

From Nurliyana Farhah Ruslan

MAKKAH, May 22 (Bernama) -- Since its inception over a decade ago, the Tabung Haji (TH) Patrol Unit, better known as the Lipan Bara team, has been instrumental in safeguarding the welfare of Malaysian pilgrims throughout their haj journey in the Holy Land.

The unit assists those who are lost or face difficulties at the Grand Mosque, while also extending support to individuals with health concerns, regardless of age -- reflecting TH’s strong commitment to ensuring a smooth and comfortable pilgrimage experience for Malaysian pilgrims.

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Unit leader Sergeant Khairul Anuar Ramli, 53, said he and his team are always prepared to discharge their duties diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of Malaysian pilgrims during the 1446H/2025M haj season.

“We face all kinds of situations, but the most unforgettable ones are those where we reunite pilgrims who were separated from their families at the Grand Mosque.

“There have also been cases where pilgrims were scammed, such as paying for wheelchair services, only to be abandoned halfway and not taken back to their accommodations as promised,” he told reporters here.

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Customer service manager Zaini Rashid said the team operates in shifts with seven members on duty at one time, stationed at six hotspot locations, including the Marwah area and main entrances of the Grand Mosque.

The team’s uniform, especially the distinctive red cap, was chosen to make them easily identifiable to pilgrims in need of help.

“Although our team comprises only 15 members, we remain committed to resolving every issue faced by pilgrims around Masjid Al-Haram, insya-Allah.

“Our previous 8-8-8 shift system covering 24 hours has been revised to 6, 8, and 10-hour rotations depending on the weather and time of day, to reduce fatigue and maintain alertness,” he said.

For Corporal Aqwa Hirzi Ahmad Norhisham, 31, who is serving in the Holy Land for the first time, the posting has been both meaningful and challenging.

“It’s an honour to serve Allah’s guests while performing haj. 

“The biggest challenge has been enduring the heat, especially from 2 pm to 3.30 pm when temperatures soar to 45°C. But by Asar, it cools down a bit, making it more bearable,” he said.

This year, Saudi Arabia has allocated a haj quota of 31,600 pilgrims for Malaysia. They are scheduled to depart for Arafah on June 4, with wukuf expected on Thursday, June 5 or 9 Zulhijjah.

-- BERNAMA