Malaysia’s oldest man, Abdul Rahman Abu Bakar or Pak Man died of old age at his home in Kampung Denger, Bukit Puteri near Besut yesterday. He was 117.

His wife, Saadiah Hamat, 71, and one of his sons, Mohamad Deraman, 56, were by his bedside when he passed away at 5.30pm.

Pan Man lost his appetite since fasting month and could not continue fasting midway through and passed away peacefully, his daughter, Arina, 46, a teacher in Kuala Terengganu told Bernama.

During his lifetime, Abdul Rahman married eight times and had two sons and three daughters, 25 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and four great great-grandchildren.

Abdul Rahman, who was believed to be born in 1895 although his date of birth was registered on July 20, 1907 in his identity card, was awarded the Terengganu senior citizen icon by the state Health Department a few years ago.

A former carpenter, Pak Man once attributed his longevity to avoiding sweet, salty and milky food, cold drinks, and smoking, and eating local vegetables.

Abdul Rahman had never suffered from diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and heart ailments.

He read the al-Quran without the aid of glasses, moved about without the aid of a walking stick and performed prayers without any help.

Pak Man was buried at the Kampung Denger Muslim cemetery after the Zohor prayers today.

- Bernama