MAKKAH — The Pilgrims’Fund Board (Tabung Haji — TH), through the Research and Development (R&D) Division of the Haj Department, has introduced a new navigation platform, called GoogleWalk, to assist Malaysian pilgrims in identifying routes back to their accommodation in the Holy Land.
TH Maktab Operations director Mohd Fahmi Kamarudin said the platform, which is based on Google Maps, was developed specifically for the use of Malaysian pilgrims staying at seven Haj Pilgrims Accommodation Buildings (BPJH) in Makkah.
“Alhamdulillah, this year, the management of TH Maktab Operations has introduced a new platform to help pilgrims identify the route to their respective accommodation buildings.
“This platform has been shared with pilgrims via WhatsApp groups of every KT, and can also be used to get local taxi or bus services to facilitate the pilgrims’ journey back to their accommodation,” he said when met by the media here recently.
Mohd Fahmi said this platform is an improvement from the previous use of live location via WhatsApp, and was developed based on in-depth research over the past few years.
“We find this platform easier and more user-friendly, besides not using a lot of internet data. It can also help pilgrims who get lost, especially after completing the Umrah in the Mas’a area between Safa and Marwah,” he added.
Mohd Fahmi said that although the platform does not feature a tracker, pilgrims can still share their current location, allowing TH staff to assist in locating them and providing directions.
According to him, the platform is being used for the first time this haj season through integration with the haj staff’s e-book, which was also expanded for use by pilgrims.
He said that based on statistics, the number of pilgrims who get lost each year is quite high, especially when there is congestion around the Grand Mosque.
Therefore, this platform is hoped to have a positive impact on the smooth running of daily operations and the safety of pilgrims,” he said.
Meanwhile, pilgrim Sudiman Ahmad Tinggal, who is staying at Abraj Al-Tayseer, described the navigation platform as a significant improvement by TH, especially in facilitating the movement of pilgrims throughout their stay in the Holy Land.
“It is very convenient, where with just one click, this application directly takes us to our destination. InsyaAllah, it really helps and benefits us pilgrims,” he said. — BERNAMA
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