Menteri Besar Ahmad Yakob said the former ruler’s remains will be taken to Istana Balai Besar for dignitaries and the public to pay their last respects before being laid to rest at Langgar Royal Mausoleum after Asar prayers.

Sultan Ismail Petra is the father of the current Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V.

He was the 28th Sultan of Kelantan from March 30, 1980, until May 2009. Bernama reported that he had been ill for more than a year after suffering a stroke. His son ascended the throne on Sept 13, 2010.

Ahmad said that a state holiday had been declared on Sunday and Monday. A 40-day mourning period will be observed by the state.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah arrived at Istana Kota Lama in Kota Bharu at 3.20pm to pay his last respects to Sultan Ismail Petra. He was accompanied by the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah.

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and her husband, Anwar Ibrahim,  also arrived at the palace to pay their last respects.

All flags in Pahang have been ordered to be flown at half-mast for three days, starting tomorrow.