Islamic Ministry has confirmed the death of a Maldivian who traveled to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj Pilgrimage this year.
The Minister said 80-year-old Fathimath Hafeeza from Raa Hulhudhufaaru passed away in the Holy City of Mecca last night.
It said that her funeral prayers would be held at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Masjid-Al Haram today.
The Ministry did not give any more details of her death. The President of Hulhudhufaaru Island Council Mohamed Athif said that Hafeeza had been in good health when she left for Hajj Pilgrimage and that the Council is not sure whether she passed away suddenly or due to an illness.
Earlier, Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed said that a Maldivian pilgrim had suffered a heart attack and was under treatment.
While the Minister did not give any more information about the individual, he said that the family of the individual has been updated and that the authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
Noting that designated doctors are traveling with Hajj Corporation and the Maldivian Hajj Mission, the Minister said that a special clinic has been set up at the hotel at which the pilgrims are staying.
The Minister also highlighted that the Saudi Arabian government has facilitated medical treatment free of charge for all Hajj and Umrah pilgrims from Noor Hospital and thanked the Saudi government for the generous arrangement.
