“The ban on cooking gas is continuing because of its success in ending fire accidents during Haj in the past,” Director General of Civil Defense Lt. Gen. Saad bin Abdullah Al-Tuwaijri said on Friday.

“There will be total coordination among all security departments to prevent any attempt to smuggle in cooking gas to the holy sites. A safety team from the Civil Defense will also make frequent inspections of pilgrim tents to ensure no gas cylinders or gas cookers are being used,” Al-Tuwaijri said.

He added that the ban is applicable to all government buildings and offices at the holy sites without exception.

Penal measures against violators include fines and seizure of the appliances involved.

He also said the ban would not cause any inconvenience to pilgrims as a number of safe kitchens with access to all pilgrims are set up in the holy sites.