SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) has been instructed to coordinate with the authorities in Kedah to provide assistance following the recent floods affecting the people in Baling, Kedah.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Idris Ahmad said besides Jakim, other relevant Islamic religious agencies under the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) were instructed to assist the flood victims immediately.
"I have followed the media reports on the mud floods in Baling. I am deeply saddened by the incident and sympathise with the residents affected.
"May all those involved have patience and presevere in facing this test," he said urging for the haj pilgrims in Makkah to pray for the safety of the victims," he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said personnel from the Kedah fire and rescue department were deployed to help the flood victims in Baling following heavy rains in the area for about an hour yesterday afternoon.
In a Facebook post, he said lorries and rescue boats from the Perak fire and rescue department were also mobilised to the scene.
He added that rescue operations were focused on Sekolah Menengah Agama Yayasan Khairiah as it was understood that there were students trapped inside the school's building.
"Rescue operations are still underway. Let's all pray that the victims are safe,” he said.
As of 2am today, a total of 334 flood victims from nine villages in Baling had been evacuated to several relief centres (PPS) with a total of 85 houses reported to affected by the floods which hit the district since about 4pm, yesterday.
Three relief centres (PPS) have been opened to accommodate flood victims from four villages in the district.