Alor setar: Special Istisqa' prayers will be held simultaneously across Kedah this Thursday to seek rain following the prolonged hot weather currently affecting the state. State Housing, Local Government and Health Committee chairman Mansor Zakaria announced that the prayers would be organized by the respective district religious offices at suitable times on the day.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the prayers are being held due to the hot weather in the state, with several districts currently at level two (heatwave), experiencing maximum daily temperatures ranging from 37 to 40 degrees Celsius. Mansor Zakaria mentioned that while cloud seeding is being conducted at the federal level, it has not yet been initiated at the state level. Therefore, they are organizing these special prayers, with each district arranging its own venue.

Furthermore, Mansor Zakaria highlighted that all district health offices and hospitals in Kedah are on alert for cases related to the hot weather, although no instances of heatstroke have been recorded in the state so far. He advised the people of Kedah to take precautionary measures, especially for outdoor activities such as visiting during Hari Raya, attending open house events, cycling, and engaging in sports, recommending that these activities be reduced.

Previously, several districts in Kedah, including Pendang, Pokok Sena, and Baling, were reported to be at level two (heatwave). The Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) indicated that 15 areas in Peninsular Malaysia were at level one (alert) after recording maximum daily temperatures between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius.