MUSLIM PILGRIMAGE

Mr M.K.A. Jabbar asked the Acting Minister for Social Affairs (a) how many Muslims went from Singapore to Mecca this year; (b) how many Singapore Citizens, among them, died whilst on pilgrimage; and (c) whether there are better facilities planned by his Ministry for the pilgrims.

Dr Ahmad Mattar: 2,328 Muslims from Singapore went on pilgrimage to Makkah in 1982. 683 of them travelled by MUIS-sponsored flights and 1,645 went by other flights.

Of the pilgrims who went by MUIS-sponsored flights, 17 passed away whilst on pilgrimage. 15 were Singapore citizens, 1 was a Malaysian citizen and 1 an Indonesian citizen.

We do not know how many pilgrims who went by other flights passed away whilst on pilgrimage. Travel agents are not required to report to MUIS the death of their pilgrims in the Holy Cities.

Just as the facilities for the 1982 pilgrimage were improved after obtaining feedback from pilgrims who went on the Haj in 1981, MUIS will soon be gathering feedback from the pilgrims who returned recently, on the facilities that could be improved.

MUIS will pay particular attention to the adequacy of the medical and nursing team which accompanies the pilgrims. The team was strengthened this year with the addition of one medical officer. For the 1983 pilgrimage, MUIS will monitor the number of pilgrims registering to go on the Haj to determine whether the two doctors and four nurses provided are adequate or should be increased.

The value of the medicines dispensed to sick pilgrims increased almost four fold this year compared to 1981 and the range of medicines provided was widened on the recommendation of the doctors and nurses. They will again be asked to recommend the types of medicines and the quantity to be supplied for the 1983 pilgrimage.

MUIS rented two rooms in Makkah during the pilgrimage season this year for use as clinics to care for sick pilgrims. Preliminary comments received indicate that it is preferable to have one large clinic, more centrally located and better staffed to look after the sick.

It is still too early to decide on the facilities to be provided next year. When all the details have been worked out for the 1983 pilgrimage, MUIS will disclose them to the pilgrims for their information.