KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian haj pilgrims are benefitting immensely from the Makkah Route Initiative, now in its sixth year, which streamlines their travel experience by ensuring a seamless luggage sorting and tagging service at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
This service eliminates the need for baggage claim waits in Saudi Arabia, allowing for the direct transfer of luggage to accommodations in Makkah and Madinah, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
The luggage tagging process, supervised by the Ministry of Haj and Umrah, begins at the designated lounge in KLIA.
A specialised team sorts and labels the luggage with flight details, personal information, and accommodation specifics.
Pilgrims also receive a corresponding card and passport label for easy identification. Upon arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, pilgrims are transferred to dedicated buses, while their luggage is delivered separately by partnering bodies, ensuring each pilgrim’s belongings reach their residence efficiently.
Implemented by the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with government partners, the Makkah Route Initiative is part of the Pilgrim Experience Programme under Saudi Vision 2030.
This programme aims to enhance the pilgrimage journey and has been warmly received by Malaysian pilgrims, reflecting the strong bilateral ties between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.
Since its pilot in 2017, the Makkah Route Initiative has facilitated the travel of thousands of Malaysian pilgrims, with 11,000 having already arrived in the Holy Land this year.
This year’s haj season, running from May 9 to June 9, includes 100 special charter flights by Malaysia Airlines and Saudia Airlines, further illustrating the logistical excellence and dedication to the well-being of Malaysian pilgrims. – BERNAMA-SPA
