Former Bernama Stringer Zulkafli Ibrahim Dies At 74

JOHOR BAHRU, July 16 (Bernama) -- 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, said the late Zulkafli, who had been suffering from a neurological disorder, breathed his last at their home in Eco Tropics, Kota Masai, at 6.10 am.

“My father had been ill for a long time, but two days ago he seemed weaker and had stopped eating. I stayed up late with him that night, and when I tried to wake him in the morning, he was already gone,” he said when contacted.

Mohd Asyraf said Zulkafli’s remains were laid to rest at the Cahaya Masai Muslim Cemetery here around 2 pm yesterday.

He said his father, who hailed from Alor Setar, Kedah, developed the neurological condition after a fall while covering a programme at the Langkawi Police Training Centre in 2011, before he was bedridden several years after that.

Zulkafli, a former Langkawi District and Land Office retiree, had served as a part-time journalist for over 30 years, beginning in the 1970s.

He had also served with the Youth and Sports Department and covered the 1977 SEA Games when Malaysia hosted the biennial sporting event.

Meanwhile, Mohd Asyraf described his father as a resilient and highly dedicated journalist who remained committed to reporting despite his health challenges.

“His spirit never faded… he was hardworking and never missed a story, no matter the time. I still remember how he would bring me and my late mother along while he was on assignment.

“He also gave me insights into the world of journalism, including how to deliver stories in sports, politics, general news and human interest,” he said.

Mohd Asyraf, who works at a private hospital in Iskandar Puteri, said his mother, Che Salmiah Ismail, 66, who had diabetes, also passed away on Jan 24 and was buried at the Kariah Masjid Aman Muslim Cemetery in Simpang Kuala, Alor Setar, Kedah.

The late Zulkafli was the 58th recipient of the Kasih@HAWANA Fund assistance last year.

Bernama Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj had visited Zulkafli at his home in Taman Sri Mengkudu, Alor Setar, Kedah, to present the Kasih@HAWANA contribution.

-- BERNAMA