MAKKAH: Authorities in the holy city have a comprehensive plan in place to tackle illegal pilgrims, those sleeping out in the open, bogus Haj operators, and measures to control the number of pilgrims coming from abroad. This was revealed by Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah and Chairman of the Central Haj Committee, at a press conference here Thursday. Prince Khaled also congratulated the King, Crown Prince and Second Deputy Premier for this year's successful Haj. Prince Khaled said the authorities have already reduced the number of illegal pilgrims and those sleeping out in the open by 20 percent. New legislation was being drafted to deal with this problem, he added. On transport, he said that the Mashair Train will help reduce traffic congestion considerably, but that buses will remain as a mode of transport for a long while. Prince Khaled said the ban on small vehicles was working well and only a few violators had been stopped. He said King Abdullah wanted Makkah to be one of the most modern cities in the world. Projects planned include the expansion of the circumambulation area. Prince Khaled said a study was being conducted on how to tighten control at the entry points into Makkah. He hoped that in time this problem will be solved. He said a plan is also being formulated, with the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), to have the quota of pilgrims from each country fixed to its population size. He said two areas that need some thought and proper planning are the movement of pilgrims from Mina to Arafat, and then later to Muzdalifah. He revealed that police have arrested Thursday bogus Haj operators who swindled more than 4,000 domestic pilgrims. He said they face tough penalties.
