Dr Mohd Farid Mohd Rafik, who died early this morning, was laid to rest at the Sheikh Haji Ahmad Waqf Muslim Cemetery in Kampung Chokoh, Serkat, near Pontian at 5.30 pm today.

Some 300 people including residents from around Pontian, family members and relatives were seen at the funeral.

Earlier, the remains were brought to the Dato Noh Gadut Serkat Mosque in Kampung Serkat for funeral prayers.

Also present to pay their last respects and to join in the funeral prayers were Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad who is also Bersatu chairperson and his wife Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.

Mahathir who arrived at the mosque at 3.40 pm spent about an hour mingling with local community members and leaders.

Mahathir was accompanied by Johor Menteri Besar Dr Sahruddin Jamal, state and federal government leaders as well as Johor Bersatu chairperson Mazlan Bujang.

Earlier family members, close relatives and friends gathered at the Forensic Unit, Pontian Hospital, here while the autopsy was conducted from 12.30 pm to 2 pm.

Soon after the final bath and shrouding, Mohd Farid’s remains were brought to his mother’s house in Kampung Serkat Laut in a funeral van accompanied by police escorts.

Mohd Farid, 42, who was Tanjung Piai MP, was reported to have died at 6 am today at the Pontian Hospital due to heart complications.

He won the Tanjung Piai seat at the last general election after defeating incumbent Wee Jeck Seng of MCA by 524 votes.

He leaves behind wife Farah Syazwani Hanis Ismail and three daughters. - Bernama