TIMES JAZIRAH, MADINAH – The pilgrims are advised to pay attention to the designated non-smoking areas. This were to avoid some fine and for their own good, especially for those chain smoker. For your information, there are specific areas where smoking is prohibited. And the pilgrims were expected to obey this rule.

Those violate the the policy may face a fine of up to 200 Saudi Arabian Riyals. As we all know there are several "no smoking" stickers placed in various locations. However, there are still pilgrims who are seen smoking in some areas of Madinah.

Zaenal Muttaqin, the Head of the Working Area (Daker) in Madinah, confirmed the smoking ban imposed by the authorities in Madinah. According to him, this prohibition, along with the corresponding penalties, has been in place for several years. 

"There are institutional authorities in Saudi Arabia responsible for ensuring the security, cleanliness, and city planning of Madinah. This includes regulating smoking bans. So, yes, there are restrictions, and we should observe the situation and follow the rules," he said.  

In accordance to this policy, there are some other prohibition such as not to take of photography in certain areas; it must be adhered to," explained Zaenal on Saturday (27/5/2023).

Zaenal emphasized that pilgrims should pay close attention to the regulations in specific areas, especially within the markaziyah zone, which encompasses the vicinity of the Prophet's Mosque. This year, Indonesian pilgrims are accommodated in the markaziyah area.

If any pilgrims encounter issues or violate the regulations, Zaenal stated that his team would assist in communicating with the relevant authorities, as such incidents may arise due to a lack of understanding of the rules. (*)