KUALA LUMPUR: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has expressed his sadness over the Gunung Jerai mudflow in Yan, Kedah, which had so far claimed four lives.

       Comptroller of the Royal Household for Istana Negara Datuk Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said His Majesty also extended condolences to the families of the victims and hoped that they would be patient and remain strong in this time of grief.

       “His Majesty also hoped and prayed that the three other people still missing in Titi Hayun would be found and rescued soon,” he said in a statement yesterday.

       The King, said Ahmad Fadil, also conveyed his highest appreciation to all government agencies and departments involved in the search and rescue operation to find and help the victims as well as affected residents. He said the King also advised residents in the affected areas to remain vigilant and to immediately evacuate to the relief centres upon instruction by the local authorities.

       Ahmad Fadil said Sultan Abdullah also called on government and non-governmental groups to lend a helping hand to the affected residents.

       The mudflow which occurred at 5pm on Wednesday, also caused flooding in Perigi, Teroi Bukit, Singkir, Kampung Permatang Keramat, Kampung Lubuk Boi, Pekan Yan Besar, Titi Teras, Kampung Acheh and Kampung Setoi in Yan.

       On Thursday, Kedah Mentri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor declared Yan and Kuala Muda districts as Level One Disaster Areas based on the National Security Council Directive No.20. — Bernama