According to a statement from the Melaka chief minister’s office, Zaidi passed away at about 8.15am at Melaka Hospital here.

He was taken to the hospital by ambulance after collapsing at the state secretary’s official residence.

The statement said he was given respiratory assistance by paramedics but pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

His body was bathed and shrouded at Melaka Hospital at about 9.30am before it was taken to Masjid Al-Azim for funeral prayers.

It was later brought to his residence at Batu 22, Kampung Tebong, in Alor Gajah and will be buried at the Tebong Muslim Cemetery after Friday prayers.

Zaidi was appointed as the 29th state secretary of Melaka on Jan 5, 2022. He joined the Melaka state administration in 2017 as the state land and mines director before assuming the role of state financial officer in 2020.

He is survived by his wife, Siti Rohaya Kamalludin, and four children.

Melaka chief minister Ab Rauf Yusoh expressed his condolences to Zaidi’s family on behalf of the state government.

“I’m deeply affected and saddened by his sudden demise,” he said in a statement, adding that Zaidi’s passing was a big loss to the civil service, especially in Melaka.