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 Haj season, was still in place.

Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud vowed that relevant punitive measures would apply to anyone found breaking the ban, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Reiterating the ban, Director General of Civil Defence General 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 Defence teams in Makkah are carrying out daily searches in camps in order to make sure that no gas cylinders are used, Al Amr added.

The year-long ban has greatly helped in prevention of fire risks at Haj camps and holy sites, he further added.

Source: Khaleej Times