ALOR STAR: Masjid Tuan Husin in Titi Gajah, one of the areas worst affected by severe floods in the state capital, has reported losses exceeding RM50,000.
Unable to function at full capacity, the mosque has been directed by the State Religious Affairs Department to transfer its funeral services to unaffected mosques.
Its secretary, Musa Bari, said the mosque's library, office, and men's prayer areas were severely damaged, leaving only the women's prayer area intact.
"The floods we faced a few months ago were not as bad as this. This time, the damage is extensive. We need to replace all the furniture and repair significant infrastructure damage.
"Funeral services and prayers cannot be held here for now. Cases within our jurisdiction will be managed by other mosques as instructed by the religious authorities," he added.
Musa also highlighted damage to the mosque's cemetery, including broken tombstones, damaged water pipes, and cracks in the parking compound.
"The water rose to over a metre, and congregants wishing to pray in the unaffected areas must use makeshift boats provided by the mosque," he said.
Despite the challenges, the mosque continues to serve the community.
"We are still providing refuge. People can pray in the unaffected areas, and fortunately, we still have running clean water. We have also allowed villagers displaced by the floods to set up camps on higher ground within the mosque compound," Musa said.
He also expressed concern about the possibility of a second wave of flooding.
"We are holding off on some minor repairs due to this risk. All we can do is pray it won't be severe, InsyaAllah," he said.
In Jitra, Taman Tabung Haji resident Rukiah Mahmud, 69, said she and her husband, Ku Shariman Ku Hashim, 67, are cleaning their home, which is still filled with mud after being submerged in floodwaters up to waist level.
"Everything, including our electrical appliances, is waterlogged. The floor is still covered in mud.
"My husband and I are cleaning up even though heavy rain is forecast throughout this monsoon season," she said.
Rukiah added that she has no plans to replace damaged items for now.
"Maybe we will wait until the monsoon season ends before making any decisions," she said.
Another resident, Azlan Shah Zakaria, 37, said his home was severely affected, with all belongings submerged.
"I have to clean up now because I need to move back after staying at the temporary flood relief centre (PPS) since last Friday," he said.