LAMANRIAU.COM, PEKANBARU – As many as 188 prospective Umroh pilgrims in Riau Province were forced to reschedule their departure. That was after the Saudi Arabian government decided to temporarily suspend the arrival of Umroh pilgrims from outside his country, as a precaution to corona virus (Covid-19).
The prospective Umroh pilgrims from various regions in Riau, will depart with the Umroh and Hajj Silver Silk Tour & Travel travel agency Pekanbaru.
General Manager of Silver Silk Tour & Travel Pekanbaru Zamzamin said, the departure of prospective pilgrims had to be postponed and rescheduled.
“What we reschedule is his departure on March 1, March 5 and March 9 2020,” Zamzamin said, Friday (2/28/2020).
The first departure planned on Sunday (1/3/2020) numbered 75 prospective pilgrims. They will depart with Air Asia Airlines from Pekanbaru airport to Kuala Lumpur. Then from Kuala Lumpur to Jeddah with Malaysia Air Line Airlines.
The second departure, continued Zamzamin, which is March 5, totaling 100 candidates for the Umroh pilgrimage. Prospective pilgrims will depart from Pekanbaru to Kualanamu, Medan, with Lion Air Airlines. Next from Kualanamu airport to Medina with Lion Air.
While the third departure on March 9 totaled 13 people. “The 13 pilgrims went to Dubai before Umroh. Departing from Pekanbaru to Kuala Lumpur with Air Asia Airlines, then Kuala Lumpur to Dubai with Emirates. So the total number of prospective Umroh pilgrims to be dispatched was 188 people,” he said.
He explained, the scheduled departure of prospective Umroh pilgrims had to be postponed first, because Saudi Arabia temporarily closed access to his country.
While all departure equipment, such as visas, accommodation and transportation have been prepared. This means that all prospective Umroh pilgrims are ready to leave.
Zamzamin said, this issue had been conveyed to all prospective Umroh pilgrims, both contacted via telephone or even Umroh pilgrims who came directly to the Silver Silk Tour & Travel Pekanbaru Office.
“We will convey the following departure information for the next 10-14 days. All pilgrims still receive it (rescheduled),” Zamzamin said.
Asked about the loss, he claimed as the tour and travel organizer was clearly experiencing losses. “We certainly lose. Because something that has been prepared is postponed, it certainly will harm travel,” admitted Zamzamin.
Nevertheless, the Silver Silk Tour & Travel Pekanbaru currently still accepts registration for prospective Umroh pilgrims. “We still accept registration,” concluded Zamzamin. (kpc)
