Kuala Lumpur: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil expressed condolences to the family of former Utusan Melayu (M) Berhad journalist Muhammad Basir Abu Bakar who died today due to chronic health issues.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi Fadzil stated, ‘I have just received the sad news of the passing of a former media practitioner and the first recipient of the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA fund, Muhammad Basir. I had the opportunity to visit him and his family at their home on April 14, 2023, during the inaugural Kasih@HAWANA programme.’

Fahmi extended his condolences to the entire family and prayed for strength and resilience for Muhammad Basir’s children, who are aged 15, 13, and 10.

Earlier, Muhammad Basir’s sister, Siti Salha, 40, informed that her brother, who suffered from heart disease, died at 6.45 pm at the age of 45. His wife, former Utusan Group photographer Nor Azlina Jaafar, had passed away on October 17, 2023.

The remains of Muhammad Basir will be brought to the Taman Taming Jaya Mosque, Cheras at about 8 am tomorrow for prayers before being laid to rest at the Batu 10 Muslim cemetery.