Badea Abu Al-Naja Saudi Gazette MAKKAH — Security officers all over the Kingdom have been given instructions to strictly monitor the movement of domestic pilgrims from all regions of the country toward Makkah, a senior official said on Saturday. Maj. Gen. Saud Abdullah Al-Kheleiwi, assistant director of Public Security for Haj and Umrah, said the move was aimed at preventing bogus Haj service companies from exploiting pilgrims. Several committees and subcommittees have been formed in all cities and governorates and surprise checkpoints will be set up at exit points on roads leading to Makkah, he said, adding that integrated security plans have been prepared to regulate pilgrims' transport and arrest violators. Al-Kheleiwi said the violators would face stiff penalties, including imprisonment and confiscation of vehicles used to transport pilgrims. The official appealed to citizens and expatriates wishing to perform Haj to verify the credentials of Haj groups they intend to join. He said would-be pilgrims could visit the Haj Ministry's website for a list of authorized service providers. Al-Kheleiwi called on the public to report any suspicious Haj group to the police.
