Penang: The remains of Ayer Kuning State Assemblyman Ishsam Shahruddin, 59, who passed away at the City Stadium today, will be transported to his residence at Desa Seri Ampang, Ipoh, Perak for his final rites.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Perak UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN) executive secretary Datuk Mohd Salleh Mat Disa announced that the body would be taken to Ipoh following a post-mortem at the Penang Hospital Forensic Medicine Department (HPP). Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad has been informed of Ishsam’s passing and has directed assistance with the funeral preparations.

Mohd Salleh stated that the body would be prepared for burial at his home in Ipoh, with the interment scheduled for 10 am tomorrow at the Rapat Setia Islamic Cemetery in Ipoh. He conveyed these details to reporters at HPP, where he was accompanied by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who had returned from Japan to offer condolences.

The gathering at the HPP included several UMNO and BN leaders from Penang and Perak, such as Penang UMNO Liaison Committee deputy chairman Datuk Shaik Hussein Mydin and UMNO state liaison secretary Datuk Shah Headan Ayub Shah. Ishsam’s wife, Rozlita Abdullah, and their son, Muhammad Iszul Imadi, were also present at the hospital.

Muhammad Izrul Imadi expressed the family’s shock at Ishsam’s sudden death, noting his father’s active lifestyle and absence of known health issues. He shared that Ishsam regularly monitored his health metrics and maintained a fitness routine, making the news of his passing unexpected.

Chow Kon Yeow, representing the state government, expressed condolences to Ishsam’s family at HPP, emphasizing the surprising nature of the assemblyman’s death during the Chief Minister’s Cup football match.

Earlier today, Ishsam Shahruddin collapsed after participating in a friendly football match at the City Stadium. Northeast district police chief ACP Abdul Rozak Muhammad reported that Ishsam lost consciousness while greeting players at the Penang Chief Minister’s Cup Four-Cornered Football Tournament, leading to his untimely demise.