Malaysian haj pilgrims were 3km from scene of stampede - Jamil Khir

Malaysian haj pilgrims were three kilometres away from the scene of yesterday's deadly stampede in Mina, which is located just outside Makkah, yesterday.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharum said most of the casualties were haj pilgrims from Arab countries.

"The route involved was not the one taken by Malaysian pilgrims. Tabung Haji (TH) confirmed that none of our pilgrims were involved," he said when visiting the family of fallen crane victim Shahidan Saad in Kampung Kodiang Lama Luar here today.

The stampede happened when pilgrims from Arab countries exited in large numbers causing many to run out of breath and died at the scene.

More than 700 pilgrims were killed while 863 pilgrims were injured in the stampede after the'stoning of the devil' ritual in Mina.

Jamil Khir said TH had also performed 'badal haji' (replacement haj) for seven pilgrims killed during the fallen crane tragedy near the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Sept 11.

The haj pilgrims injured during the incident had been discharged from hospital and joined other pilgrims in the 'stoning the devil' ritual in Mina, he added.

Jamil Khir said TH also provided various facilities to the injured pilgrims such as ambulance to perform the rituals.

"Priority will be given to the injured pilgrims should they want to return to Malaysia earlier than scheduled."

He presented Shahidan's family with compensation of RM20,000 from TH and another RM20,000 from Takaful (insurance).

Shahidan was one of seven Malaysian haj pilgrims killed in the fallen crane tragedy in Makkah.