Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — Director of Public Security Lt. Gen. Muhammad Al-Bassami has said that perpetrators of negative phenomena, including begging, will be dealt with firmly at the Grand Mosque and its courtyards in Makkah and punitive measures will be strictly applied to them.

Al-Bassami was addressing a press conference with the commanders of the Umrah security forces at the Unified Operations Center 911 in Makkah on Tuesday.

Al-Bassami and other senior security officials spoke about the Interior Ministry’s plans and preparations for the peak annual Umrah season that culminates in the holy month of Ramadan. Director General of Civil Defense Maj. Gen. Hamoud Al-Faraj and Deputy Director General of Passports Maj. Gen. Saleh Al-Murabba also attended the press conference.

Al-Bassami said the Umrah security plan for the year 1444 included major aspects of security such as crowd management, traffic control, and provision of humanitarian services, in addition to supporting and empowering parties participating in the implementation of the plan, and making available necessary human resources.

Maj. Gen. Al-Faraj said the General Directorate of Civil Defense has completed its preparations at all sites that witness huge concentration of Umrah pilgrims and visitors. “This is through ensuring the readiness of forces and the availability of resources for the prevention of and protection from fires, in coordination with the relevant authorities who will apply the regulations and take legal action to control violations,” he added.