The news of his death was confirmed by his daughter, Fariza Zailan, when contacted by Bernama.

“My father was initially admitted to PPUM because of a cough before he was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer on Nov 27. The cancer then spread to his other organs including the liver and lungs,” she said.

Funeral prayers will be held at the As-Salam Mosque in Puchong Perdana and the burial at the USJ 22 Muslim Cemetery.

Zailan leaves a wife, Ruby Sara Omar, and five children.

Malaysian Artistes’ Association (Seniman) secretary-general Hafiz Nafiah said Zailan’s death was a loss for the country’s creative industry.

In a statement, he also conveyed the condolences of Seniman’s leadership and exco line-up.

Zailan had acted in more than 10 films and dozens of dramas and telefilms since 1980, including Santan Berlada, Rumah Kedai, Kisah Benar and Gerak Khas.