TEMERLOH: P. Nadarajan, a long-serving Malaysia Nanban reporter in Pahang, died of a heart attack on his 59th birthday today.
The father-of-six died at the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Hospital where he was receiving treatment this evening.
His eldest daughter, N. Givitambikai, 27, said her father had earlier gone to a temple with the family today before complaining of chest pains.
"Since it was his birthday, we went to the temple for prayers. When we returned about 9am, he started complaining of chest pains. We immediately rushed him to the hospital.
"He was treated at the emergency ward before doctors confirmed he died while undergoing treatment about 5pm," she said when contacted.
Nadarajan leaves behind wife R. Paru, 49, and six children – five daughters and a son – aged between 17 and 27.
Nadarajan, a former insurance agent in Mentakab, began his journalism career with the Tamil-language daily some 19 years ago. He frequently travelled throughout Pahang to cover major events for the vernacular newspaper.
His friend P. Ramamoorthy, 60, described Nadarajan's death as a shock to many, including members of the media in Pahang, as he has been regularly covering programmes.
He last attended a media event in Temerloh two days ago.
"I have many good memories with him. We sometimes traveled together to various parts of Pahang to cover events. Today, I have lost a good friend," said Ramamoorthy, who writes for another Tamil daily.
Meanwhile, Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) cameraman Khirrul Nirwan Bahaudin, 40, who is based in Temerloh, described Nadarajan as a hardworking and loyal friend who provided wide coverage on various issues especially in promoting tourism in Pahang.
The final prayers will be held at Nadarajan's house in Taman Bukit Bendera Emas, Mentakab tomorrow morning.
He will be buried in Temerloh.