HAJ PILGRIM ASMAH ARRIVES SAFELY IN MALAYSIA

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 25 (Bernama) --  Malaysian haj pilgrim Asmah Mansor, who had been receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Saudi German Hospital in Makkah since Sept 13, arrived safely in Malaysia last night.

The special medical flight carrying Asmah departed King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 4.30 am (local time) with a doctor and a nurse on board, and landed at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang at 8.15 pm.

She was then taken by ambulance to Putrajaya Hospital for further treatment.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, in a post on the X platform, described the effort to bring home Asmah, 71, as more than a medical mission, calling it a journey of solidarity by Malaysians.

“Thank you to everyone who prayed, contributed and stood together to ensure the effort to bring home Hajah Asmah could be realised.

“My appreciation also goes to Tabung Haji and the Saudi Arabian government for ensuring this mission proceeded smoothly,” he said.

Mohd Na’im said he had closely followed the mission from the start, including coordination by Tabung Haji, the Saudi medical team, the air ambulance crew, right up to the moment the aircraft door opened and Asmah was carefully brought down.

“Last night, I went to Putrajaya Hospital to welcome the return of Asmah, the haj pilgrim who was tested with health complications after completing the pilgrimage and was admitted to the Saudi German Hospital.

“Hajah Asmah is now being treated in the Putrajaya Hospital ICU.

“I extend my highest appreciation to the entire medical team at Putrajaya Hospital for their readiness to receive and treat her with full professionalism and compassion,” he said.

Previously, Mohd Na’im said the mission to bring home Asmah, who had been treated in Makkah for pneumonia, was initiated after public contributions to cover the cost, estimated at RM500,000, reached the required amount.

-- BERNAMA