"In the last four days, some pilgrims were found to be bringing an excessive amount of cigarettes, which they must unpack at the airport. Departing pilgrims must be attentive on this issue to prevent inconvenience if they are required to unpack their luggage," Religious Affairs Minister's special staff for media and public communication Wibowo Prasetyo said while presenting his press statement here on Wednesday.
The ministry's Directorate General of Hajj Organisation has issued a circular on the baggage policy that informed pilgrims about the maximum luggage weight, permissible luggage, and prohibited items in the luggage, he said.
The official regretted that some pilgrims still violate the baggage requirements, despite the information having been disbursed earlier.
"(The regulation) has also regulated policies on carrying medicines, as well as prohibition to carry the Zamzam water in luggage," Prasetyo noted.
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The regulation restricts pilgrims' luggage to 32 kilograms of checked luggage -- except for pilgrims that are part of Surabaya embarkation point, who are restricted to carry 28 kilograms of checked luggage -- 7 kilograms of carried luggage, and a small passport bag, he said.
General aviation regulations, such as the prohibition to carry explosives and weapons, gas and aerosol, and liquids over 100 mg, as well as the requirement to pack sharp items, such as scissors and razor only on checked luggage, are also valid for Hajj pilgrims, the special staff continued.
Saudi's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) also prohibit Hajj travelers from packing Zamzam water -- fresh water with a distinctive taste which Muslims believed is divinely originated -- in checked and carried luggage, he added.
"This regulation is to anticipate (violations) in the pilgrims' return trip to deter them from committing violations, such as by wrapping the Zamzam water tube with aluminium foil, carrying the water in a pipe, or other tricks," Prasetyo remarked.
Meanwhile, a total of 8,702 Indonesian pilgrims had arrived on the fifth day of Hajj departures from Indonesia. Some 1,949 more pilgrims, divided into five flight groups in four embarkation points, are scheduled to depart on Wednesday.
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Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Suharto
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