ALOR SETAR: An eminent ulama in the state, Abdul Hamid Ismail or better known as 'Pak Su Mid Kuala Nerang' died of old age yesterday evening. He was 96.

News of his passing was shared by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor in a Facebook post at about 7 pm.

"The Jewel of Kedah, Pak Su Mid Kuala Nerang' has gone to meet his Creator just now. May his soul be placed among the prophets and the righteous" he wrote accompanied by a picture of the eminent ulama.

The sad news was also shared by Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) President Datuk Seri Mukhriz Tun Mahathir, who is also former Kedah Menteri Besar.

"Received sad news, Tok guru Paksu Mid Kuala Pai, Bukit Tembaga has returned to Rahmatullah just now...May the soul of the deceased be blessed and placed among the faithful and religious people," he wrote.

Meanwhile, Padang Terap district police chief, DSP Mulkiaman Manzar said the late ulama passed away at a private hospital at about 6 pm yesterday.

"I have been made to understand that the ulama passed away due to old age after falling sick. His remains have been brought home in Kuala Pai, Bukit Tembaga in Kuala Nerang and are expected to be laid to rest tomorrow morning," he said when contacted here last night.

-- BERNAMA