Jakim DG dies from heart and lung complications

PETALING JAYA: Islamic Development Department (Jakim) director-general Datuk Paimuzi Yahya (pic) has died. He was 59 years old.

Jakim released a statement saying that Paimuzi passed away at the Sungai Buloh Hospital from heart and lung complications at 1pm yesterday.

Paimuzi had prior to this tested negative for Covid-19 and was warded on Oct 6.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said his demise was a loss to the country and Islamic institutions.

“I thank the late Paimuzi for all he has done in his capacity as the director-general. I am saddened that I cannot attend his funeral as I am still under self-quarantine.

“My condolences to his family and I pray he is placed among the blessed, ” said Muhyiddin in a Facebook post.

Paimuzi was appointed Jakim director-general last January.

He leaves behind his wife and seven children.

Paimuzi was buried in Gombak.

Born in Terengganu, he held a double degree from Universiti Malaya, including one in syariah law.

He joined the civil service in 1986 at the Islamic Affairs Department under the Prime Minister’s Office.

Environment Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and Plantation Industries and Commodity Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali also posted their condolences to Paimuzi’s family on their social media accounts.