Jins died at a clinic in Taman Melawati, said Hafiz Nafiah, secretary-general of the Malaysian Artistes Association.

Hafiz told Bernama that he was informed by a member of the family that Jins was taken to the clinic and died soon after.

According to other press reports, his son Putera Hang Jebat said Jins was having a meal at home when he experienced breathing difficulties.

His wife then brought Jins to Klinik Idzham, Taman Melawati, where he died at 5.45pm today.

The burial will take place at Masjid Ulu Klang early tomorrow.

The popular film star, who was introduced to films by P Ramlee, was earlier reported to be battling Alzheimer’s disease.

He was married to Halijah Abdullah, 54, and has four sons, Jefri Zain, Hang Tuah @ Shazrin, Putera Hang Jebat and Putera Hang Nadim.

Born in Taiping on Nov 5, 1935, Jins was also appointed a senator in 2004.

He had notable roles in movies like Pancha Delima and Sarjan Hassan, Megat Terawis, Lela Manja, Bukit Kepong and Bukan Salah Ibu Mengandong.

He became known as the Malaysian James Bond for his role as charismatic spy Jefri Zain in several films.

He also ventured into directing and made a name for himself.

His Bukit Kepong historical movie picked up seven awards at the Malaysia Film Festival in 1982, including Best Film, Best Director and Best Actor for him.

His 1986 hit film Ali Setan also won several awards at the 6th Malaysian Film Festival.

Jins was also known for directing the movies Esok Untuk Siapa, Tiada Esok Bagimu and Esok Masih Ada.

NST Online said Jins starred in more than 40 films made for cinema and television.

It said Jins studied at the London Film School in the early 1970s and graduated with a diploma in film technology.

It also said he wrote the late Fazidah Joned’s Aidilfitri hit song Selamat Hari Raya.

The news portal said Jins also served as chairman of the National Film Corporation.