GEORGE TOWN: Penang has lost its greatest consumer champion and its green protector with the passing of S.M. Mohamed Idris this afternoon.
Penang Forum steering committee member Khoo Salma Nasution said Idris had been instrumental in defending the people’s rights as consumers, and spearheaded the discourse about healthy and planet-conscious living in this part of the world.
“He was gentle with his friends and fierce with shameless polluters and destroyers of the environment.
“A much loved and admired father and grandfather to many of us in the environmental movement, we deeply mourn his loss,” she told the New Straits Times.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution in a twitter posting said he was saddened with the passing of the consumer icon.
"My condolences to his family. He imparted a lot of advice to me, especially in matters concerning consumerism."
Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr. Xavier Jayakumar also conveyed his condolences on Twitter to the family of the consumer and environmental activist.
"Despite passing at the age of 93, he remained a pivotal voice and opinion maker to ensure improvement in the standards of services, goods and consumer protection till the end," he said.
Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu shared, "Al Fatihah to the late S.M. Mohamed Idris, a figure who championed the rights of the country's consumers who died this afternoon."
He expressed his condolences to the activist's family and hoped the late S.M. Mohamed Idris' fight was blessed and he would be placed among the righteous.
Netizens also took to social media to express their sympathies over S.M. Mohamed Idris’ passing.
W.H. Ooi said: “Deepest condolences to the family of SM Mohammad Idris. A great loss to society and may his soul Rest In Peace.”
A. Balakrishnan Balan said: “Heartfelt and deepest condolences to his family members!
“Yes, we have lost a concerned citizen who undyingly fought for the betterment of our health & environment. R.I.P. dear SIR.”
As for James King, he said S.M. Mohamed Idris had lived his life with purpose and conviction and contributed so much to a better society.
Idris died at 5pm at a private hospital here due to heart failure.
He has been in an out of hospital in recent months. He is survived by four children.