KUCHING: Former Sarawak Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud died in Kuala Lumpur early today. He was 87.

Sarawak's longest-serving chief minister took his last breath at 4.28am at the Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur hospital (CVSKL).

This was confirmed by state Tourism, Creative Industry and Arts Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Taib's remains will be prepared at the National Mosque before being flown here later today.

Karim said Taib's body will be brought to the Sarawak legislative assembly building for final respects before burial.

Former Sarawak Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud died this morning. - NSTP file pic
Former Sarawak Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud died this morning. - NSTP file pic