LOC17:55
14:55 GMT
JEDDAH, Aug 12 (KUNA) -- The Saudi Ministry of Interior said on Saturday that the ban on the use of liquefied gas for cooking at holy sites during this year's Hajj season, remained intact.
Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud vowed that relevant punitive measures would apply to anyone found breaking the decided ban, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Defending the decision, Director General of Civil Defense Gen. Suleiman bin Abdullah Al-Amr said that the ban on liquefied gas for cooking would remain in effect due to potential dangers to pilgrims at holy sites.
Civil defense teams in Makkah are carrying out daily searches at pilgrimage camps in order to make sure that no gas cylinders are used there, Al-Amr added.
The year-long ban has greatly helped in the prevention of fire risks at Hajj camps and holy sites, he pointed out. (end)
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