BY SAMUEL KARUNIA KORNO
KUCHING: A total of 142 pilgrims from Sarawak are set to perform their hajj when they departed for the holy city of Mecca from Kuching International Airport this morning (May 30).
Earlier excitement filled the air during the Hajj Ceremony at the Raia Hotel here as the pilgrims got ready to depart for the pilgrimage.
Akbi Fahmie Madeli, 29, will be going for the hajj pilgrimage with his family and his wife, Madinah Zaini, also 29.
Akbi stated that he was excited and thrilled to be able to perform the hajj pilgrimage together with his family and wife.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to go with my wife and all six of my siblings to perform our hajj pilgrimage at such a young age.
“Tabung Haji has provided a lot for us because we are not from Kuching rather we are from Pusa, Betong so it was a long journey and Tabung Haji has provided everything for us here in Raia Hotel.
When asked about the medical aid provided for the pilgrims, Akbi said that Tabung Haji has provided a sufficient amount of medication needed for the journey.
As for Akbi’s wife, Madinah Zaini, she had to travel from Penang to Kuching to join Akbi and his family to perform the hajj.
“I booked my flight early so I could be here together with my husband and his family.
“It is a happy (moment) for us because we could go for the pilgrimage together,” she told New Sarawak Tribune.
Both Akbi and Madinah further hoped that all the pilgrims could safely travel for the pilgrimage and each pilgrim would be blessed with good health throughout the journey to the Holy Land.
For 45-year-old Izzateri Puji, he shared he did not expect to be able to join the pilgrimage and would be preparing for his mental and physical health in anticipation of the hajj.
“Before heading here, I attended three preparations courses, first one was in Sibu, second was in Sarikei, and for the last one was in Kuching.
“Alhamdulillah, I am able to get all the things needed concerning my finances, physical (well-being) and mental condition for this journey.
“I feel grateful for the opportunity to undertake this pilgrimage and I pray for good health throughout the journey to Mecca and heading back here (to Kuching),” he said and hoped for a safe journey for all pilgrims
He also lauded Tabung Haji which has provided all the amenities needed here in Raia Hotel, including a mini clinic for those who need medication during the Hajj Ceremony.
At the ceremony, Zaifadzmeem Zakiah Zaini, 35, together with her family of seven have been preparing for the hajj since November last year.
“We have been preparing since November and, Alhamdulillah, all seven of us are able to go and perform the pilgrimage.
“Since November it has been non-stop for my family and I preparing for this hajj pilgrimage.
“Tabung Haji has provided a lot of amenities for us in terms of medical assistance thoroughout the journey so all we have to do is to take care of our health during the pilgrimage,” she said.
Zaifadzmeem further added that she is really excited to go to the holy city of Mecca for the pilgrimage.
She hopes that all the pilgrims will take good care of their health during the pilgrimage and to be ready to face any challenges throughout the journey.
Many attendees, including family members were also seen waving goodbye to the pilgrims as they were leaving the Raia Hotel.
