Riau Hajj Pilgrim Reported Dead in Mecca

A Hajj pilgrim from Riau Province, Zul Kanedi, 52, has been reported deceased in Mecca on Monday (25 May) at 21:47 Saudi Arabia Time (WAS). Defizon, Head of the Riau Regional Office of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, confirmed the death and expressed deep condolences, stating the government would ensure all rights of the deceased are fulfilled, including the arrangement of badal haji (substitute pilgrimage). He added that seven Riau pilgrims have died during the 1447 H / 2026 M Hajj season, with one in Madinah, three in Mecca, two in Batam, and one elsewhere. Causes of death included systemic inflammatory response, acute myocardial infarction, acute respiratory distress syndrome, cardiogenic shock, and septic shock, with fatigue and weather conditions suspected to have impacted pilgrims’ health. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is checking accommodation readiness in Mina tent areas. According to operational data, 527 groups comprising 202,551 pilgrims and 2,098 officials have arrived in Makkah. Additionally, Muhammad Firdaus Akhlan, 72, from Riau’s JKG 27 group who was previously reported missing, will be prayed for at Masjidil Haram.