REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MEDINA -- Indonesian pilgrims are advised not to drink ice or cold water while in the Holy Land. The goal is to keep worshippers from contracting diseases such as coughs and colds.

“Never drink cold water, let alone ice water. Including cold zamzam water,” said Head of Haji Indonesia Health Clinic (KKHI) Doctor Karmijono in Medina, Saturday (26/5/2024).

He advocated that pilgrims drink warm water at least three times, such as warm milk. “That (warm milk) God willing can prevent coughing. So the air is already dry, if drinking cold water stimulates the effect of coughing. So warm water can prevent coughing,” he said.

Then what if worshippers eat ice cream? “Once in a while, it's okay, but after that it's warm water,” Dr. Karmijono said.