KUALA LUMPUR: Famous actor Badrul Muhayat, 55, died in his sleep at a homestay in Penang this morning.
News of his passing was confirmed by his wife Norhayati Zulkapli.
"Yes, Badrul is no longer with us. (I'm) sorry I can't talk for very long as I'm lodging a report at the police station.
"His remains would be brought back to Johor Baru," she told Berita Harian.
Norhayati realised Badrul's condition at about 9am as she attempted to wake him up to get ready for business at Karnival Uda, Jalan Baru Perai.
Meanwhile, actress Anne Abdullah said she heard the news from fellow artiste Aida Aris who was also at the scene.
"I was told that the deceased's wife tried to wake him up to get ready for the carnival site.
"However, he did not give any response and his body had gone cold. They had then called an ambulance and Badrul's death was confirmed (by the medical team)," said Anne.
She said it was still unclear if the remains would be brought to the hospital for post-mortem as the next of kin were also awaiting the insurance process.
She said Badrul's family had been informed of his death and had asked for his remains to be brought back to Johor Baru and laid to rest there.
Badrul is survived by his wife Norhayati, whom he had married on April 18, and two children aged 14 and 16 from his previous marriage.
When met during the Cerana Biduk Bu Merah movie premiere, Badrul had expressed his intention to hold a reception but it did not materialise.