MAKKAH — Scores of hotels, malls and warehouses have been shut down by Makkah Civil Defense inspectors for safety violations. Over the past weeks, the inspectors have paid 1,650 visits to hotels, businesses, malls and other establishments and given fines to minor violators and closed down 30 establishments for their major violations of safety rules. Some buildings were used as accommodation for Umrah performers although their owners did not have any licenses from pertinent authorities. The pilgrims were evacuated while the owners were asked to get proper licenses. Some of the warehouses shut down were located inside residential areas, posing great danger to the public. Makkah Civil Defense Director Brig. Khalaf Al-Matrafi urged all businesses and establishments to comply with safety requirements, stressing that violators will be given hefty fines.
