This was confirmed by Malaysian Artistes Association (Seniman) secretary-general Hafiz Nafiah.

“He collapsed at the Sarang Art Hub cafe in Tanjung Malim at 12.30am before being taken to the Slim River Hospital, where he was confirmed dead,” he said in a brief WhatsApp message to Bernama.

The cause of death is not known but it is believed to be due to a heart attack. Apart from making a name in the film industry, he was also the owner of the Sarang Art Hub cafe, which he opened in Tanjung Malim in 2016.

Mamat, whose real name was Mohamad Mohamad Khalid, was a scriptwriter and film director. He was the younger brother of famous Malaysian cartoonist Mohammad Nor Khalid, better known as Lat.

The Ipoh-born Mamat is survived by his wife Hasmah Hassan, three sons and two daughters.

Among his more well-known films were ‘Zombi Kampung Pisang’, ‘Hantu Kak Limah’, ‘Rock’ and ‘18 Puasa di Kampong Pisang’, which struck a chord with fans of the comedy and family entertainment genres.

Meanwhile, national unity minister Halimah Sadique described Mamat as a filmmaker who championed for unity among Malaysians through his films which were watched by fans of all races and ages.

She said the film director had left behind a an enduring legacy of racial unity in his works.

“He should be emulated by all. Film is a medium that can be used as a platform to unite  people of all races and ethnicities in the country.

“Just like the late Tan Sri P Ramlee, who left behind a lasting legacy through his films for the entire multi-racial community of Malaysia,” she said in a statement today.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has described the passing of Mamat  as a “loss of a star” in the world of creative arts in the country.

In a post on his Facebook today, Ismail said he was one of the nation’s most respected and famous film directors and producers.