IPOH: Famed film director Mamat Khalid died earlier today while on the way to the Slim River Hospital at about 12.30am. He was 58.
Mamat or his real name Mohamad Mohamad Khalid is expected to be laid to rest this afternoon.
This was confirmed by his brother, Datuk Mohammad Nor, popularly known as "Lat" when contacted today.
"His body is still at the Slim River Hospital. God-willing, he will be laid to rest at the Masjid Kampung Paloh Muslim Cemetery, here," he said.
It is learnt that Mamat's remains will be taken to the Kampung Paloh Mosque for funeral prayers at 11am.
Artistes' association Persatuan Seniman Malaysia (Seniman) secretary-general Hafiz Nafiah said that Mamat was pronounced dead at about 12.30am today.
He informed that the director had passed out at his cafe, the Sarang Art Hub in Tanjung Malim before being rushed to the Slim River Hospital.
"He, however was pronounced dead in the vehicle," he said in a statement today.
Hafiz, on behalf of Seniman, expressed condolences to Mamat's family.
"Seniman prays for him to be placed among the righteous and pious," he said.
Mamat who was well known for films such as Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang, Rock, Hantu Kak Limah and Zombi Kampung Pisang, is believed to have died from a heart attack.
He leaves behind wife, Hasmah Hassan and five children.
It was reported in Jan 2019 that Mamat spent two months at the Assunta Hospital, Petaling Jaya, following breathing difficulties and chest pains, and was put in an induced coma to allow his organs to rest.
Later in October the same year, Mamat spent 21 days at the Intensive Care Unit of KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital along Jalan Raja Di Hilir, Ipoh, after complaining of breathing difficulties at home.
Meanwhile, Youth and Sports minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu said Mamat's death was a great loss to the country and film industry.
He expressed his deepest condolences to Mamat's family on behalf of the ministry.
"He was like my own brother. We grew up together in Kampung Sungai Rokam here and I am close to his family.
"This is not only a great loss to the country, film industry but to myself, personally," he said when met at the Senamrobik Perdana Peja Trophy 2021 event at Padang Lintau, Manjoi, here.