Kuala lumpur: Datuk Shamsubahrin Ismail, 60, founder of premium taxi service Big Blue Taxi, died at 1.32 pm today at Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) due to colon cancer.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, his wife, Datin Suzana Abdul Aziz, confirmed the death, stating that Shamsubahrin was initially diagnosed with stage four colon cancer in 2015. Despite recovering, the illness recurred, leading to his hospitalisation three weeks ago.

'Due to severe pain, he chose not to continue treatment, including dialysis and his condition worsened,' she said, adding that he started experiencing breathing difficulties around 5 am.

Shamsubahrin is survived by his wife and five children. His remains will be taken to his mother's home in Shah Alam before funeral prayers at Masjid Bukit Jelutong at 8 am tomorrow, followed by burial at Bukit Kiara Islamic Cemetery in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI).

A prominent figure in the local taxi industry, Shamsubahrin was known for his outspoken views on public transport and e-hailing issues in Malaysia.