Ministry Of Religion Asks To Pay Attention To Expired Dates In Food Allotments For Indonesian Hajj Candidates

The food Sanitation and Supervision Team for prospective hajj candidates checks the quality and safety of food for prospective pilgrims in Saudi Arabia 2023. (ANTARA-HO-Kemenkes).

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) has asked prospective pilgrims to pay attention to the time limit for consuming the food provided, because it is feared that it will be stale.

"Don't consume food past the time limit as stated in the food box," said Head of the Public Relations, Data and Information Bureau of the Ministry of Religion Akhmad Fauzin at the Press Conference on the Implementation of Hajj in Jakarta, Tuesday, May 30, which was confiscated by Antara.

Fauzin said that while in Medina the government provided consumption services three times a day, namely breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The food menu varies every day with the Archipelago's taste menu. Each food is distributed to each hotel for pilgrims before the meal time arrives.

"Assessments are given in box packaging that have passed the standard test of hygiene," he said.

On the packaging, he continued, there is a description of the limit that deserves to be consumed. For breakfast at 09.00 am, lunch at 16.00 p.m., and dinner at 21.00 WAS.

"Immediately consume the food that has been distributed before the deadline stated in the food box," he said.

He also asked the congregation to immediately report to the officers if they found food that was indicated to be stale.

Fauzin appealed to the congregation, especially the elderly, to maintain health and avoid outdoor activities. The weather in Medina is quite hot with temperatures reaching 26-35 degrees Celsius.

"For elderly pilgrims, they should not force themselves to perform sunnah prayers if their physical condition does not allow congregational prayers at the Prophet's Mosque. Congregants can also pray at hotels, to avoid fatigue," he said.

He also encouraged the participants of the pilgrimage to always help each other and help between congregations. Do not hesitate to ask the officers for help while at the embarkation, planes, and Medina.

Based on data from the Integrated Hajj Information and Computerization System (Siskohat) until May 29, 2023, at 24.00 WIB, there were 34,358 pilgrims and officers who had arrived in Medina City or 89 groups.

"The congregation has died to this day four people. The congregation who died was prayed at the Prophet's Mosque and buried in Baqi. In accordance with the provisions, the congregation who dies will be prayed," said Fauzin.