Langkawi: Former part-time journalist of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) in Langkawi, Kedah, Zulkafli Ibrahim, 74, passed away here yesterday. His only son, Mohd Asyraf Zulkafli, 35, reported that Zulkafli, who had been suffering from a neurological disorder, passed away at their home in Eco Tropics, Kota Masai, at 6.10 am.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Asyraf explained that his father had been unwell for a significant period, but his condition worsened two days prior to his passing, as he stopped eating. Mohd Asyraf had stayed up with him that night, and found him unresponsive the following morning. Zulkafli’s remains were buried at the Cahaya Masai Muslim Cemetery around 2 pm yesterday.

Zulkafli’s neurological condition developed after a fall while covering an event at the Langkawi Police Training Centre in 2011, which eventually left him bedridden. A former Langkawi District and Land Office retiree, Zulkafli had a 30-year career as a part-time journalist beginning in the 1970s. His assignments included covering the 1977 SEA Games hosted by Malaysia.

Mohd Asyraf recounted his father’s dedication and commitment to journalism despite health challenges. Zulkafli’s passion for his work was evident as he never missed a story and often took his family along on assignments, sharing insights into journalism with his son.

Mohd Asyraf, who works at a private hospital in Iskandar Puteri, also mentioned that his mother, Che Salmiah Ismail, passed away earlier this year due to diabetes and was buried in Alor Setar, Kedah.

Zulkafli was a recipient of the KasihHAWANA Fund assistance last year. Bernama Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj had visited him at his home to present this contribution.