They follow a daily schedule prepared jointly by the local branch of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Madinah Haj Committee.

Scout Commander Fahd Abu Saif said the volunteers accompany anti-fraud inspectors visiting shops that sell food items and electronic goods to make sure no counterfeit products are sold to pilgrims.

They recently seized a large number of forged watches from some shops close to the Prophet's Mosque, he said. The most common counterfeit electronic goods sold during the Haj season include digital cameras, watches and MP3 players.

The inspectors impose fines on traders of counterfeit products and confiscate the illegal wares.

Meanwhile, the Traffic Department in Makkah has started enforcing a ban on cars in the central area of Makkah before and after prayers to ease congestion. The area around the Grand Mosque will be reserved for pedestrians only. More than 2,000 officers have been deployed to direct traffic.