MECCA: Malaysian haj pilgrims are preparing to head for the Arafah plain for the ultimate haj ritual, wukuf (the grand assembly), which falls on Oct 25 (9th of Zulhijjah).

Malaysian haj head of delegation Datuk Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman said he had discussed with Saudi Haj authorities on Malaysian pilgrims' requirements, including transportation arrangement and the camp site.

He said however, there would be some changes in the ritual stoning of the Jamrah as a new tunnel had been built in Mina.

"We have been given the stoning time. Malaysian pilgrims should begin stoning the first Jamrah after the Isyak (night) prayer on the 10th of Zulhijjah," he told reporters at the Lembaga Tabung Haji office here Sunday.

Syed Saleh said so far 22,000 or 81 per cent of 28,000 Malaysian pilgrims were already in the Holy Land.

He said 13 more flights would depart from KL International Airport for Jeddah on Oct 19.

Meanwhile, 'Talian Ibadah' has been extended to 24 hours to enable pilgrims to ask questions pertaining to haj rituals, he said, adding that the hotline had received an average of 25 calls a day from pilgrims.

- Bernama