Sabah Youth and Sports Minister Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan died at the age of 56 last night during treatment at Prince Court Medical Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

The Apas assemblyperson breathed his last at 11.57 pm, said his sister, Faridah Abu Bakar Titingan, when contacted by Bernama in Tawau today.

She said Tawfiq had been warded at the medical centre  on and off since eight months ago for treatment and also underwent surgery for colon cancer.

"The body will be brought back to Tawau today for burial, “ she said.

Meanwhile, Tawfiq’s younger brother, Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, in a statement sent through Whatsapp called the public to pray for his brother and and that Allah SWT would bless his soul and place him among the righteous.

Tawfiq, who was also Tawau Umno division leader, leaves a wife, Sharifah Rahmah Syed Ali, seven children and five grandchildren.

- Bernama