Saudi Hajj Organisers Urge Indonesian Pilgrims to Use Official Wheelchair Pushers

Mecca (ANTARA) - Saudi Arabian Hajj Service Officers (PPIH) have urged Indonesian prospective Hajj pilgrims to use official wheelchair pushing services when performing mandatory Umrah in the Masjid al-Haram area for the sake of safety and comfort during worship.

Ridwan Siswanto, Head of the Crisis Handling and First Aid Section for Hajj Pilgrims (PKP2JH) and Elderly-Disabled Pilgrims from the Mecca Working Area PPIH Saudi Arabia, in Mecca on Saturday, warned that using illegal pushing services carries significant risks, such as the abandonment of pilgrims.

“If a raid occurs by security officers or askar, the captured or fleeing pusher will immediately drop off the pilgrim at the raid location. It’s pitiful for the prospective Hajj pilgrim to become stressed from being left stranded,” he said.

To prevent this, he asked prospective Hajj pilgrims to recognise the main characteristics of official wheelchair pushers at Masjid al-Haram.

Firstly, they carry official identification. Secondly, they wear maroon red vests. These vests are used by official pushers on duty during the morning shift, while grey vests are used by official pushers on duty during the afternoon and night shifts.

He stated that the practice of illegal pushers often involves local residents up to Indonesians residing in Saudi Arabia.

Therefore, checking official identification becomes key to the safety of prospective Hajj pilgrims from potential raids.

As an additional mitigation measure, the PKP2JH service together with the elderly and disabled team has launched a control card programme.

The programme aims to make it easier for prospective Hajj pilgrims, especially vulnerable groups, to obtain official and safe pushing services from arrival terminals such as Syib Amir, Ajyad, and Jabal Ka’bah, to Masjid al-Haram.