Umno leader: Cancel Putrajaya new year countdown

PETALING JAYA: An Umno supreme council member has suggested that the planned new year celebration in Putrajaya be cancelled in light of the worsening flood situation in several states.

Datuk Irmohizam Ibrahim, the Kuala Selangor MP, urged the Government to instead hold religious and spiritual rites to pray for those affected by the disaster.

More than 90,250 people have been evacuated due to the worsening situation in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Kedah and Sabah ast at 9am Thursday.

“This would show that the Government and its leaders are concerned about the hardship faced by the people in this disaster,” Irmohizam said in a statement.

He suggested that Muslims hold solat hajat and doa selamat while Malaysians of other faiths could hold prayers according to their beliefs.

“I hope we as Malaysians would come together in this time of need to show support for the adversity faced by our fellow countrymen.

“Let us all pray that the weather would improve and may the families and victims affected by the floods be brought to safety and given sufficient help,” he added.

The planned celebration on Dec 31 to usher in 2015 is to be held at Dataran Putrajaya with the cooperation of the Putrajaya Corporation, including a concert and fireworks display.