Rao, who anchored two KiniTV programmes, leaves behind his father Michael Baboo Rao and a sister, Priyanka.

Rao’s LinkedIn page states that he joined Malaysiakini in 2010 as a content editor and took on the role of social media editor in 2012.

He moved to KiniTV in 2013 as a broadcast journalist and was appointed a news producer in 2018.

Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said he was sad to learn about Rao’s death.

“My condolences to his family members and friends at Malaysiakini,” said Fahmi on X.

Rao’s wake will be held at 92, Lorong Lima, Kampung Pandan, Kuala Lumpur from 4pm today until 1pm tomorrow.

His funeral mass will be held at the Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Jalan Peel, Kuala Lumpur, at 2pm tomorrow, followed by final rites at the Kuala Lumpur City Hall crematorium in Cheras at 3.30pm.