Siri Neng Buah, named Tokoh Warisan Kebangsaan Orang Hidup (National Living Heritage), breathed his last breath on the menora stage (bangsal menora) in his front lawn in Kampung Kok Seraya, Tumpat, Kelantan at about 7am today.

The 65-year-old died of heart complications while suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure.

The bangsal menora is a gazebo-like structure where the menora dance is traditionally performed.

Pak Siri was acclaimed in the menora and mak yong dances and performed the role of dalang in wayang kulit.

His wife, Chiam Eh Preng, 58, said that her late husband's health was actually improving in the three months since released from the Tumpat Hospital where was warded for a week.

"He appeared healthy and spirited when attending a cultural programme in Terengganu a few days ago," Chiam told Sinar Harian.

Last night, Siri said he wanted to sleep in his bangsal menora because it was warmer in the house that night.

"But when I tried to wake him up this morning, I realised he was gone," she said.

Siri was once Arts and Culture Department director for Penang, Perlis and the Federal Territories, and is survived by Chiam and their three children.

Fondly known as Pak Siri, he was named National Living Heritage in 2013 for his dedication in uplifting Malaysian culture and heritage to ensure its longevity.

He was also named the awarded the Anugerah Tokoh Budaya Negeri Sembilan and Anugerah Tokoh Masyarakat Siam Malaysia Negeri Kedah in 2014 as well as Anugerah Kehormat Bentara Paduka Raja, Persatuan Keturuanan Cik Siti Wan Kembang the year before.