Haj pilgrims told to pack jackets

JAKARTA: Minister of Religious Affairs Maftuh Basyuni told haj pilgrims on Monday to be prepared for cold weather during the pilgrimage in January.

"To many Indonesians, the winter in Saudi Arabia will be extremely chilly," said Maftuh, a former Indonesian ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

He told pilgrims to pack thick clothes because the temperatures in Saudi Arabia could drop to minus five degrees Celsius, particularly in Medina.

Maftuh said the pilgrims, unused to such low temperatures, could suffer such problems as coughing, dehydration, digestive problems and aching bones and muscles.

The upcoming haj will fall in January, which is winter in Saudi Arabia.

At least 205,000 Indonesians will perform the haj this year, which will require them to visit Mecca and Medina. -- Antara