KUCHING, July 2 — Former Sarawak assistant minister of industrial development Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman died at the Timberland Medical Centre here this afternoon.

Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Masing, who confirmed the news, said Daud, 66, died about 4.10pm at the private hospital where he was being treated for heart complications.

"I just came back from Timberland Medical Centre to pay my last respects to him," Masing, who is also Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president, said.

PBB Youth chief Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said Daud had served with dedication and commitment when he was a five-term Tupong state assemblyman.

He said the former assemblyman was well-liked by the people because he was always on the ground to solve their problems.

Fadillah, who is also the state works minister, said PBB and the state Barisan Nasional have lost a leader who had served the state selflessly.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamid and Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Openg are due to pay their respects to Daud at his residence later tonight.

Ahmad Zahid is due to arrive here about 8.15pm tonight on a three-day official visit to the state.

Daud, who was a supreme council member of PBB, did not contest in last year's state elections due to poor health.