The Johor state and district flags are flown at half mast beginning today as a mark of respect for the passing of the Sultan of Kedah, Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah.

Johor State Secretary Datuk Azmi Rohani said the flying of the flags at half mast was being carried out until the completion of the burial of the Sultan of Kedah at 4 pm tomorrow.

"The directive, which took effect immediately, was issued to all heads of State and Federal Departments, District Officers, Local Authorities and Statutory Bodies by the Johor State Secretariat for action,"he said when contacted here tonight.

Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'Adzam Shah died at 2.30 pm today at the Istana Anak Bukit, Kedah.

The late Sultan, who was 89 years old, had ruled Kedah for 59 years.

-- BERNAMA