We do not feel like we are currently in the middle of the desert (in Mina, Saudi Arabia).
Mekkah, Saudi Arabia (ANTARA) - Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has announced that his ministry will consider providing body cooling vests, a Health Ministry innovation, for all Indonesian Hajj pilgrimage officers in 2023. "It is similar to using a cooler inside our clothes. We do not feel like we are currently in the middle of the desert (in Mina, Saudi Arabia). Overall, it (the vest) is very good," he remarked while inspecting tents for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims in Mina on Wednesday.

The black vests that are attached with a hoodie could prove very helpful in facing the extremely hot weather in Saudi Arabia, he added.

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The average temperature in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, one of the locations visited by the Hajj pilgrims, can reach 44–45 degrees Celsius, and it is estimated that the situation will last for the next few years.

For the 2022 Hajj pilgrimage period, the Health Ministry has utilized carbon cooling technology to make vests for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims suffering from heatstroke at Arafah, Muzdhallifah, and Mina (Armuzna) region.

The vests are also being used by health officers serving in the Armuzna region as a precautionary measure.

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A total of 10 vests have been prepared for officers, while 20 vests have been readied for pilgrims.

A medical practitioner at the Indonesian Hajj Health Office (KKHI) in Mecca, Dr. Rr Suzy Indharty, MHA MKes SpBS(K), said that the pilgrims' body temperature and vitals are the parameters for the use of the vest.

"Their (the pilgrims’) temperature is measured continuously and (the use of the cooling vest) is stopped after the patient's temperature decreases to 38 degrees. Later, other necessary treatment is given," she informed.

Carbon cooling technology has been used because it can last up to 8–12 hours, much longer than ice or ice gel. In addition, it does not melt quickly and does not get wet.

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Translator: Desi Purnamawati, Uyu Liman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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