PETALING JAYA: The Sultan Abdul Halim Airport in Alor Star has been closed since Monday due to flash floods.

Airport manager Halim Omar said the airport would remained closed until flood waters receded.

"The flood waters are deep enough for us to be barred from entering the airport," he said when asked the depth of the water.

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has announced that all MAS flights to and from Alor Star from Sept 20 to 21 has been cancelled.

MAS is monitoring the situation and will resume flights as soon as the Department of Civil Aviation and Malaysia Airports Bhd reopen the airport.

Passengers are advised to call MAS reservations toll-free number 1300-88-3000 (within Malaysia) or +603- 78463000 (outside Malaysia) to get latest updates.

Meanwhile, Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) director-general Datuk Keizrul Abdullah said rain is still pouring in Kedah but "not so heavy".

"The water from upper catchments is now reaching lower areas, flowing into the sea. It also means that the flood will subside, hopefully, a day or two," he said.

He said updates on the flood situation in the country are available on the DID official website (www.water.gov.my).

Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said the leave of all medical personnel required to work at flood hit areas has been cancelled or frozen.

He also assured the public that there is sufficient supply of medicine for flood victims.

In Aug 1997, the airport was closed for five days also due to floods.