Popular former Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) newscaster Farit Ismeth Emir passed away this morning at Assunta Hospital in Petaling Jaya.

The news was relayed by the late Farit’s son Farzwa De-Attaher Emir, who is more popularly known as DJ Fuzz.

Farit was a recognisable face of the station’s news broadcast in the 90s.

It was learnt that he passed away at around 11.10am earlier today, at the age of 66.

“Farit just breathed his last at Assunta Hospital.

“He, known as Pak Ngah among RTM circles, and was an important figure and he will, of course, be missed,” read a posting uploaded by his son on social media.

Farit’s uncle Mohamed Izat Emir, when contacted, confirmed the death of the icon. The former leaves behind seven children.

RTM, meanwhile, today expressed condolences over the death and said it had lost a “precious gem”.

According to Free Malaysia Today, Farit joined the news station in 1986. Among Veteran newsreaders who read with him during his career was Harjit Singh Hullon, who today described Farit as a “true friend”.