TAWAU: A man has died shortly after boarding a plane at the Tawau Airport, here, today.
Authorities said the passenger, identified as Kasim Kastubi, 59, was believed to have experienced breathing difficulty after he got into a Kuala Lumpur-bound plane.
His nephew, who noticed the man's condition around 3.55pm, immediately alerted the crew members.
District police chief Assistant Commissioner Fadil Marsus said the victim was then given oxygen and respiratory aid before being taken back to the terminal for further medical assistance.
However, he said Kasim was pronounced dead by a medical assistant from nearby Balung Clinic.
“His remains has been taken to the district hospital for autopsy. We have classified the case as sudden death,” he said.
Fadil added that Kasim, from Taman Ria 3, was supposed to travel to the peninsula to attend his nephew’s wedding in Hulu Langat, Selangor.
He said checks showed the man also suffered from various illnesses including diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney problem.