PUTRAJAYA, March 13 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that all Malaysian pilgrims staying at the Mira Ajyad Hotel in Mecca are safe after a fire broke out at the premises yesterday evening.

The ministry said the Consulate General of Malaysia in Jeddah immediately coordinated with Saudi authorities and local Umrah travel agencies to verify the situation.

"Preliminary information indicates that approximately 70 Malaysian pilgrims under TH Travel, Zahafiz Travel and Rayhar Travel were staying at the hotel. The three agencies have confirmed that all Malaysian pilgrims under their care are safe and accounted for," the ministry said in a statement.

"During a follow-up check by the Consulate General of Malaysia in Jeddah conduc...