KOTA BHARU - Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob has asked Muslims in the state to perform solat hajat (special prayers) to pray for rain to avoid extreme dry weather.
Through a statement on his Facebook account, Ahmad said the prolonged dry weather would destroy the crops.
"Malaysia is now dealing with extreme hot weather, that is expected to last until next August following the monsoon transition phase.
"I ask the people of Kelantan to istighfar (seek forgiveness) and pray to Allah SWT more often and make time to perform solat hajat at home," he said.
He also asked imams to perform the special prayers at mosques or suraus throughout the state, to pray for rain for the sake of the people's well-being.
"Hopefully with our effort, Allah the most Merciful will give us rain to replenish the earth," he said.
It was previously reported that seven areas in Peninsular Malaysia and two areas in Sabah were forecasted to experience hot weather at Level 1 (alert) for at least three consecutive days with a temperature that can rise up to 35 to 37 degrees Celsius.
The areas involved in the Peninsula were Kuala Terengganu (Terengganu), Jeli, Kuala Krai, Pasir Mas, Tanah Merah (Kelantan), Rompin (Pahang), and Jempol (Negeri Sembilan).