Mamat Khalid was like my own brother - Ahmad Faizal

IPOH: Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu has expressed his sadness over the death of renowned film director Mamat Khalid whom he regarded as his own brother.

He also described Mamat's death as a great loss to the country, especially the film industry.

"We grew up together in Kampung Sungai Rokam, Ipoh and I am very close to his family, including his wife. Personally, it is a huge loss to me.

"Let us pray that Allahyarham's soul will be blessed and that he may placed among the righteous," he said when met at the Senamrobik Perdana Peja Trophy 2021 event at Padang Bola Sepak Lintau, Manjoi, here, today.

Mamat, or his real name Mohamad Mohamad Khalid, 58, died at 12.30 am today at the Slim River Hospital.

Malaysian Artistes Association (Seniman) secretar-general Hafiz Nafiah, in a brief WhatsApp message to Bernama said Mamat collapsed at his Sarang Art Hub cafe in Tanjung Malim before being taken to the Slim River Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

His remains will be taken to Masjid Jamek Idris Iskandar Shah 1 in Sungai Rokam for prayers before the burial at the Masjid Kampung Paloh Muslim Cemetery, Ipoh after Zohor prayers.

Among his well-known films are Hantu Kak Limah, Zombie Kampung Pisang, Man Laksa, Rock Oo, Rock Bro, 16 Puasa, 17 Puasa and 18 Puasa Di Kampung Pisang.

-- BERNAMA