Pioneer Newscaster Mahadzir Lokman Dies At 61
Mahadzir passed away at about 9.30am today.
Mahadzir Lokman who began his broadcasting career in TV3 back in 1984 has died. The pioneer newscaster passed away today.
Mahadzir was found dead in his hotel room in Kota Kinabalu around 9.30am. NST Online reported about the confirmation of his death via a family member.
He was in Kota Kinabalu since 31 July for work matters.
Mahadzir, affectionately known as 'Dale' to his friends, was travelling along with the family of a close friend, with whom he had dinner on Thursday night before returning to his room about 10.40pm, according to NST Online.
Shortly before he passed away, Mahadzir reportedly sent out "good morning" texts to his friends via a WhatsApp group
According to District police chief Assistant Commissioner Habibi Majinji, Mahadzir had sent out the texts to his friends at 5am today.
"About 9.30am, his friend rang him but he didn’t answer. Out of concern, the friend sought help from the hotel management to open the room door.
"They found Mahadzir unconscious. He was later pronounced dead by a doctor from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital," ACP Habibi was quoted as saying by NST Online.
ACP Habibi has ruled out foul play in Mahadzir's death, saying his death could be due to his previous health problems but noted that the probe is ongoing.
His body has been taken to the hospital where a post-mortem will be conducted.
The sudden passing of Mahadzir has left people in his life shocked, with his colleagues and friends expressing their sorrow
Last year in September, the former newscaster was admitted to University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) after he was found unconscious by family members at his home on 24 September
He spent two weeks at the hospital and was discharged on 7 October.