Authorities have stepped up efforts to clamp down on unauthorized pilgrims and vehicles during the Haj pilgrimage. Assistant Commander of Haj Security Forces for the Central Area Maj. Gen. Dr. Saud Al-Khileiwi said the Director of Public Security Lt. Gen. Othman Al-Muhrij has issued instructions to the directors of police in different provinces and commanders of Public Security to have a strict vigil at checkpoints and prevent unauthorized pilgrims from entering Makkah and other holy sites. A similar crackdown will also target fraudulent companies offering Haj services. Over the years, the Kingdom has tightened rules for domestic pilgrims who are obligated to take permit before embarking on the pilgrimage. Unauthorized pilgrims face imprisonment, fine and deportation. Last year, authorities sent back a total of 160,000 domestic pilgrims trying to enter Makkah and the holy sites without Haj permits. Comprehensive study on transportation of pilgrims Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, emir of Makkah Province and chairman of the Central Haj Committee has sought a comprehensive study on transporting pilgrims. The study will be carried out by Makkah Province Development Authority. It aims at developing a system for transporting pilgrims and harnessing modern technology in Makkah and the holy sites, Saudi Press Agency reported. Prince Khaled was presiding over a meeting in Jeddah Tuesday in the presence of Dr. Muhammad Benten, minister of Haj and Umrah; Sulaiman Al-Hamdan, minister of transport; Lt. Gen. Al-Muhrij, director of public security; Dr. Rumaih Al-Rumaih, chairman of Saudi Railway Organization. Prince Khaled said the Kingdom has always been keen to provide the best possible services to the guests of Allah. He stressed that there is nothing more important than serving pilgrims. "This is a pride for all of us," he said. Prince Khaled said transport management in Makkah is of great importance and this should be taken into consideration in all the futuristic plans. The means of transport for pilgrims ought to be highly efficient. Hi-tech should be introduced in all works related to Haj and Umrah in order to facilitate matters for pilgrims, he stressed. The meeting approved that as of the next Haj season buses older than 10 years of their manufacturing will no longer be used. The current allowed bus age is 18 years. The meeting also discussed developing the required specifications in buses. The meeting decided to make arrangements for Saudization of jobs of drivers, technicians and workers in transporting pilgrims, aside from developing the transporting of pilgrims between the holy sites (Al-Mashaer) using buses in shuttle trips. The meeting reviewed the mechanisms for developing the traffic plans for transporting pilgrims between Makkah and the holy sites and stressed that vehicles with a capacity of less than 25 passengers should be barred from transporting pilgrims. Security plans Security authorities have mobilized all their potentials to provide security, humanitarian, organizational and guidance services to the pilgrims. Maj. Gen. Al-Khileiwi said an accurate security plan has been drawn up by the special forces for Grand Mosque security and those assigned for the courtyards and roads leading to the Central Area. The plan is being implemented on the ground by deploying officers and privates to all the floors of the Grand Mosque and its gates and courtyards. Al-Khileiwi said the security monitoring room in the Grand Mosque is provided with the latest technology including cameras in order to monitor all the passages, floors and courtyards of the Grand Mosque round the clock.
