Tributes have poured in for a “dedicated” police officer who died of a heart attack on Monday evening.
George Town deputy OCPD Ahmad Bakhtiar Kassim had collapsed - complaining of chest pains and shortness of breath - while playing badminton at the Penang Buddhist Association in Anson Road about 6pm.
Ahmad Bakhtiar, 54, leaves a wife and three children. His remains will be sent to his home town of Alor Setar, Kedah, for burial.
State police chief Ayub Yaacob(right) said Ahmad Bakhtiar was a good officer who was active in sports. He had been transferred to Penang last year.
"I'm still in shock over this but this is all God's will," he told reporters when met at the Penang Hospital, adding that he has known the officer for more than 20 years.
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng conveyed his condolences to Ahmad Bakhtiar’s family, describing him as a "true police officer" who had helped to ease tensions between pro- and anti-Lynas groups during a gathering at the Esplanade last month.
"He was a dedicated and well-respected police officer. Throughout his tenure of service in Penang, I have observed that he always carried out his duties firmly and responsibly without fear or favour," Lim said in a statement.
“Our country has truly lost one of its best and bravest police officers. I will always remember and appreciate his services.”
Human rights NGO Suaram (Penang branch) coordinator Lee Hui Fei (left)said Ahmad was known to be a "responsible and dedicated" police officer.
"He carried out his duties tirelessly. For example, he tried to prevent a group of aggressive people from disrupting the rally organised by Himpunan Hijau 2.0 on Feb 26, and from hurting the participants" she said.
"We pay tribute to a professional police officer. We hope he will be a shining example to others to continue to be of service to the rakyat. We hope his family will face this situation with calmness".
During the rally, two journalists were injured. The police have called29 witnesses to provide statements.
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