All 70 Malaysian pilgrims are safe after a fire at their Makkah hotel, with authorities ruling out drone attack or sabotage as the cause.
MAKKAH: All Malaysian pilgrims are confirmed safe following a fire at a hotel in the holy city. The Foreign Ministry, Wisma Putra, reported the incident occurred at the Hotel Mira Ajyad at about 5 pm local time on March 12.
Initial information indicated about 70 Malaysian pilgrims were staying at the hotel. They were under the management of three travel agencies: TH Travel, Zahafiz Travel and Rayhar Travel.
All three agencies have confirmed that every pilgrim under their care is safe and accounted for. The Consulate-General of Malaysia in Jeddah coordinated immediately with Saudi authorities and the travel agencies upon receiving news of the fire.
A follow-up inspection by consulate officials at about 7.20 pm local time found several Malaysian pilgrims gathered safely around the hotel area. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Saudi authorities.
Wisma Putra stated there are no indications so far that the incident was caused by a drone attack or sabotage. For safety reasons, guests are not currently permitted to return to their rooms while investigations and inspections continue.
The hotel management and travel agencies will arrange temporary accommodation if there is a delay in obtaining permission to return. The Consulate-General in Jeddah will continue monitoring the situation closely.
Officials remain in contact with Saudi authorities and Malaysian travel agencies to safeguard pilgrim welfare. Wisma Putra advised all Malaysian pilgrims in Makkah to remain calm and follow instructions from local authorities and their agencies.
Malaysians requiring consular assistance can contact the Consulate-General in Jeddah at +966 126 727 740 or +966 573 099 589. They can also email mwjeddah@kln.gov.my.
 The Sun Malaysia
