June 11, 2024, Riyadh — In a groundbreaking move, Saudi Arabia's Transport General Authority has unveiled an automated monitoring vehicle during the 1445 Hajj season to oversee transportation means used by pilgrims in Makkah, Madinah, and other holy sites. This initiative, reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on Monday, aims to ensure adherence to regulations and maintain high standards of transportation services for Hajj pilgrims.
The state-of-the-art vehicle is equipped with mobile surveillance cameras capable of accurately identifying details of various vehicles, including buses, taxis, and trucks, with a precision rate of 99 percent. This technology will play a crucial role in monitoring and verifying the compliance and quality of transportation provided to the millions of pilgrims attending the annual Islamic pilgrimage.
Developed through a collaborative national effort, the automated monitoring vehicle reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to enhancing the safety and reliability of transport services during one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to leverage technology in improving the overall experience and welfare of Hajj pilgrims.
In a related development, security patrols in Makkah have apprehended four residents, including nationals from Pakistan and Myanmar, for attempting to defraud pilgrims. These individuals were promoting fake Hajj packages and selling counterfeit Hajj permits and bracelets. Authorities confiscated money, seals, mobile phones, and computers used in their fraudulent activities, as reported by SPA.
The suspects have been referred to the Public Prosecution, emphasizing the Kingdom's zero-tolerance policy towards any form of deceit or exploitation of pilgrims. This crackdown highlights the ongoing efforts of Saudi authorities to safeguard the integrity of the Hajj pilgrimage and protect pilgrims from fraudulent schemes.
As the Hajj season progresses, the introduction of the automated monitoring vehicle and the swift action against fraudsters underscore Saudi Arabia's dedication to ensuring a safe, orderly, and dignified pilgrimage experience for all attendees.
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