Duties of mosque employees defined

RIYADH — The Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments has issued a booklet defining the duties of mosque employees, including the imam and muezzin. The acting deputy minister for mosques’ affairs, Sheikh Abdulmuhsen Al-Alsheikh, said employees at mosques are fulfilling a religious responsibility and serving the houses of God and their duties stem from that perspective. He explained that the booklet includes a number of regulatory measures, such as the requirements to appoint an imam, the duties of all employees and workers at mosques, their bonuses, penalties and their end of service rights. He asked mosque employees to take advantage of the booklet and perform their duties properly.

 
 
 

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Volunteer work ‘still in its infancy’

MADINAH — Expert Nahlah Al-Sehaimi said volunteer work in the Kingdom is still in its infancy, especially when compared to other countries. She explained that the absence of laws and regulations prevents many from obtaining the required permit to volunteer. “Volunteer work should be legislated and supervised by the Ministry of Social Affairs, which should also issue permits to volunteers to allow them to carry out their work,” she said while adding that volunteer work also requires the financial and moral support of the community to succeed.

 
 
 

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Home care benefits 50 Jazan patients

JAZAN — More than 50 patients have benefited from the home health care program of King Fahd Central Hospital in Jazan. The head of home care services, Ibrahim Kareeri, said the system cares for patients who have been released from hospital but need continuous care as instructed by their physician. He said during the past four years, medical teams have made around 8,000 home visits and 50 patients are still receiving treatment.

 
 
 

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Caution on import of psychiatric drugs

JEDDAH — Acting head of air cargo at Riyadh airport said imports of psychiatric medicinces requires prior approval from official bodies. Abdulrahman Al-Assaf added such drugs should be wrapped in tight wooden boxes to guard against any possible thefts. He pointed out that any party found to be in violation of these instructions will be held accountable in the event the drugs are stolen. The Saudi Food and Drugs Authority also stressed the importance of safekeeping of such psychiatric medication.

 
 
 

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95 minor earthquakes recorded in 8 months

JEDDAH — The head of the National Earthquakes Center said the center’s monitoring stations have recorded 95 tremors and aftershocks during the past eight months. Hani Zahran explained that the center monitors earthquakes through its 160 stations around the Kingdom. He said January alone witnessed 45 earthquakes and aftershocks. He stressed that building codes for public structures should be implemented to guard against any possible damage that may result from such tremors. “Citizens should be educated on the proper ways to act during earthquakes and more studies should be conducted on areas that are more likely to experience earthquakes,” he said.

 
 
 

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Police investigate boy’s death

AL-QURAYYAT — Police are investigating the death of a boy in Sakaka who allegedly died while playing with a curtain string at his family home. Police spokesman Col. Turki Al-Muwaishir said the Al-Khalidiah police station received a report that the body of a 7-year-old boy was brought to Prince Miteb Bin Abdulaziz Hospital. Investigators, who consisted of a forensic doctor and a member of the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution (BIP), visited the hospital. On questioning, the boy’s family members said he died after the drawstring got entangled around his neck as he was playing with it in his room. The boy’s body was examined and the string’s marks were found in his neck. Investigators confirmed that the boy’s death was accidental, but investigations continue.

 
 
 

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Haia arrests youth for blackmailing woman

RIYADH — The Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (the Haia) in Riyadh arrested a youth who allegedly blackmailed a young woman by coming to her family’s house and threatening to create a scandal if she did not respond to his advances. He was also accused of threatening commission members with a pistol during his detention. Commission spokesman Turki Al-Shelayyil said the youth was caught red handed after showing up at the house of the young woman he was blackmailing. Upon being detained, the youth tried to escape and threatened commission members with a pistol he was carrying. He was overpowered and handed over to police.

 
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