Saudi Tightens Security and Traffic for Hajj in Mecca

JAKARTA - The Saudi government has increased security for the implementation of the 1447 Hijriah hajj by tightening access to Mecca and the holy area for individuals without official permission as hajj pilgrims.

The statement was made by the Director General of Public Security, as well as the Chairman of the Hajj Security Committee, the Ministry of the Interior of Saudi Arabia, Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Bassamisaat, who chaired a joint press conference for the commanders of the Hajj security forces at the Integrated Security Operations Center in Mecca.

Lieutenant General Al-Bassami emphasized that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has deployed a large number of human resources and materials to ensure the safety of pilgrims from their arrival to their return.

Authorities have also made comprehensive security efforts on the ground to prevent criminal acts, eradicate pickpocketing, and regulate traffic flow in the central area of Makkah City.

Regarding enforcement of the rules, Lieutenant General Al-Bassami warned the authorities to actively monitor and dismantle the fake hajj campaign, including illegal domestic travel agents.

He reiterated that anyone caught transporting individuals without a valid hajj permit could be sentenced to up to six months in prison, a fine of up to 50,000 Saudi riyals (around Rp235 million) for each offender, and the seizure of the vehicle used.

Foreign nationals who violate the law will also be immediately deported and banned from entering Saudi Arabia for 10 years.

Director General of Civil Defense at the Ministry of Interior, Major General Dr. Hamoud Al-Faraj, who ensured that the civil defense forces had completed all preparations for prevention, operations, and emergency handling.

The field operation is coordinated through the Holy Area Operations Center and the Command and Control Center in Mina.

Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Saudi Arabian Passports has processed the arrival of 1,518,153 international pilgrims. Of these, 1,457,514 pilgrims arrived by air, 54,141 pilgrims through land borders, and 6,497 pilgrims by sea.