The former midfielder played alongside the late Mokhtar Dahari for Selangor and was renowned during the 1980s.

According to Harian Metro, Azhar’s death was confirmed by a friend, Zulkifli Mohamad. He died at Selayang Hospital at about 4.30am.

Zulkifli said Azhar had been suffering from breathing difficulties and was relying on a respirator. He had been admitted to the hospital before Ramadan began.

He said Azhar was taken off the respirator two days ago following advice from his doctor and with his family’s consent.

Azhar will be laid to rest at the Sungai Buloh Muslim cemetery in Selangor today.

Mokhtar and Azhar were known as the backbone of the Selangor team in the 1980s and helped the side lift the Malaysia Cup in 1984 and 1986.

He was capped for Malaysia several times, including the victory at the Merdeka football tournament in 1986.

Azhar had also played alongside other football stars such as the late R Arumugam, Zainal Abidin Hassan, Dollah Salleh, Zapril Hashim, Khan Hung Meng, Lim Teong Kim and Zainal Nordin.