Malaysia's 'father of bodybuilding' and veteran MCA leader Gan Boon Leong passes away

MELAKA: The founder of the iconic Jonker Walk night market and Malaysia's "father of bodybuilding" passed away on early Monday morning (Aug 15).

Datuk Gan Boon Leong, 85, was the former Melaka MCA chairman and state executive councillor.

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His son, Datuk Gan Tian Loo confirmed that his father has passed away at 1.30am on Monday (Aug 15).

Tian Loo said his father had been receiving treatment for a weak heart at a hospital here but was discharged on Sunday (Aug 14) afternoon.

"He was taken to a care centre here, where he breathed his last early this morning.

"His body has been taken to his office in Jonker Street for people to pay their last respects.

He will be buried this Friday (Aug 19) in Bekok in Tangkak, Johor," Tian Loo told Bernama on Monday.

Apart from being active in politics, Gan was also an accomplished bodybuilder who was elected as president of the Malaysian Weightlifting Federation, vice-president of the Asian Bodybuilding Federation and vice-president of the Asian Powerlifting Federation.

He was also active in boxing and taekwondo associations, especially in Melaka.

Boon Leong, who was born on Aug 25, 1937, leaves behind a wife, Datin Chong Kin Yock, and seven children.