GEORGE TOWN: Penang Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak has agreed for the state flag to be flown at half-mast on Monday (Sept 19) in observance of Queen Elizabeth II's funeral.

Deputy State Secretary (Development) Datuk Zakuan Zakaria said it was also a sign of respect for the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch in the United Kingdom.

"Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and the entire leadership of the state government responded to the decision and have instructed all departments and agencies in the state to fly the Penang flag at half-mast this Monday," he said in a statement today.

Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, after 70 years on the throne.

According to media reports, the Queen's body is now lying in state in London's Westminster Hall until the state funeral on Monday.

She was the second longest reigning monarch in European history after King Louis XIV of France.

-- BERNAMA