KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 3 — Former National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong was found dead at his home this morning, according to the police.

The police confirmed his death following reports by NSC staff that they had been unable to contact Zolkples since Friday, when he missed the Muslim Friday prayers at Vista MSN, Bukit Jalil.

This prompted police and fire and rescue department officers to visit Zolkples’ home this morning, where they found him on his living room floor after they secured entry.

The exact cause of death is still under investigation, according to initial reports released by the police.

However, national news agency Bernama quoted an unnamed police official as saying that a heart attack was suspected.

In response to the news, Malaysian athletes’ official Twitter page also confirmed his death earlier this morning.

Ampang Jaya OCPD Asst Comm Mohamad Farouk Eshak told English daily The Star that so far police have ruled out foul play.

He said investigators ruled out foul play after conducting checks at the home and on the body.

"There was no sign of forced entry or a scuffle. He was not married and lived alone,” he said.

Mohamad Farouk also clarified that police personnel broke down the door to Zolkples’ home and found his body in the living room.

He said Zolkples’s personal assistant had contacted emergency services at 8:30 am after failing to contact her employer since Saturday.

"According to his relatives, Zolkples had undergone heart surgery about 10 years ago. His last Covid-19 swab test was on Friday and he tested negative,’’ he said.

His remains will be brought to Masjid Sri Petaling and subsequently laid to rest at Kampung Sura, Dungun, Terengganu.