MAKKAH, June 3 — Malaysian haj pilgrims have been reminded not to carry excessive quantities of Zamzam water in their luggage, as doing so could result in baggage delays, inspections and potential damage to personal belongings.
Haj Pilgrims Operations Deputy Director Mohd Ridzuan Yusoff said some pilgrims continue to attempt to bring home additional Zamzam water by concealing it in their checked baggage despite repeated warnings from authorities.
He said such practices violate airline regulations and Saudi authorities’ rules, which could lead to luggage being detained for further screening.
“Some pilgrims believe Zamzam water can be hidden by wrapping it in various materials, but modern screening equipment is capable of detecting the contents of luggage,” he told reporters while monitoring the City Check-In (CCI) operation in Makkah today.
According to Mohd Ridzuan, once prohibited items are detected, authorities may open the luggage for inspection, and there is no guarantee that the contents will be repacked in their original condition.
He added that personal belongings could also be misplaced or damaged during the inspection process.
As such, he urged pilgrims to adhere strictly to all regulations and avoid taking unnecessary risks in an effort to bring back additional Zamzam water.
Meanwhile, Mohd Ridzuan said the City Check-In (CCI) service, implemented by Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) in collaboration with airlines, continues to ease the return journey for Malaysian pilgrims.
Under the initiative, pilgrims can check in their luggage up to 48 hours before departure, allowing bags to be processed directly from their accommodation buildings.
“Pilgrims only need to bring themselves and essential permitted items when travelling to the airport. This significantly reduces the burden on them after completing their haj pilgrimage,” he said.
He also reminded pilgrims that the maximum baggage allowance remains 30 kilogrammes per person, regardless of the number of bags checked in.
“For example, if one bag weighs 12kg and another weighs 18kg, the combined weight must not exceed the 30kg limit,” he explained.
Introduced in 2013, the CCI operation has become one of Tabung Haji’s key initiatives to enhance travel convenience and comfort for Malaysian haj pilgrims.
— BERNAMA
