KUALA LUMPUR: Mosques in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, including the Federal Territory Mosque and Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque, have been turned into temporary accommodation for flood victims.

       Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Idris Ahmad said he had instructed the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) to coordinate the matter.

       "Mosques are ready and will also provide the appropriate assistance. The mosques will also manage food assistance through the Dapur It’am and Jawi Food Bank programmes,” he said in a statement.

       In addition, the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) will provide the necessary assistance to the victims.

       Klang Valley was hit by floods, causing some 15,000 residents to be evacuated to more than 100 temporary evacuation centres as of 2pm Sunday (Dec 19), as well as scores of road users stranded due to roads and highways being inundated by floodwaters.

       Apart from Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, other states affected by the floods are Kelantan, Pahang, Melaka, Negri Sembilan and Terengganu.

       Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) has also turned its mosque into temporary accommodation for all flood victims around Shah Alam. Its Shah Alam campus’ colleges will also house affected students and staff.

       "Special flash flood assistance for UiTM residents has also been established following the incident, managed by the university’s zakat (tithe), contribution and waqf (Zawaf) division,” it said in a statement.

       UiTM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Roziah Mohd Janor said for students affected by the floods, their assignments’ deadlines have been postponed to a later date, while the affected UiTM residents were also given special leave to ease their burden.

       She also expressed her sympathy and prayed for their safety. – Bernama