A Malaysian citizen has been confirmed as one of the hundreds of casualties from September 24’s tragic stampede in Mina, on the outskirts of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
The Hajj pilgrim, 50-year old Zulkifly Samad of Ampang, Selangor, was believed to have strayed from the Malaysian delegation into the area of the incident.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said Tabung Haji was initially informed that no Malaysian pilgrims were involved in the stampede.
“Tabung Haji did checks at the Malaysian pilgrims encampment from 12.30pm to 3pm (local time) on the day of the incident.
“There were no complaints from family members or fellow pilgrims about anyone missing,” he said in Mecca yesterday, as quoted by Bernama.
At 11pm (Saudi Arabia time) Zulkifly’s wife, Suriahanim Abd Hamid lodged a report that her husband had not returned to his tent.
Suriahanim detailed in her report that Zulkifly did not accompany the rest of the Malaysian Hajj candidates on the bus from Muzadlifah to Mina, as he wanted to walk the distance, in observance of the Prophetic tradition.
Her last communication with the deceased was at 7.15am on the day of the incident, via a phone call.
Tabung Haji personnel conducted checks at the Moaissim mortuary nearby on September 25 and found Zulkifly’s body, which was identified through the ID tags attached to it.
More than 700 Hajj candidates were killed in the stampede, with more than 800 others wounded. The Malaysian Hajj delegation was located about 3km away from the site of the tragedy when it happened.
