Kota kinabalu: Former editorial head of the New Straits Times (NST) for Sabah and Sarawak, Joseph Bingkasan, has died, believed to be due to cancer. He was 71.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, his son, Lester J Bingkasan, who is also a journalist with a newspaper, said his father died at Hospital Queen Elizabeth II here at 3.56 am today. Lester mentioned that his father had bone and prostate cancer and was undergoing haemodialysis. The family has requested friends to pray for Joseph Bingkasan.

Lester stated that the family is currently making funeral arrangements and will share further details, including on the memorial service, in due course.

Joseph Bingkasan was a recipient of the Tabung Kasih Hawana in 2023, which was presented by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil during a visit to his home in Kampung Kionsom, Inanam. Diagnosed with cancer in 2014, Joseph also suffered from kidney failure and hypertension.

He had a long career in journalism, starting as a sub-editor with the Kinabalu Sabah Times in 1977 before joining New Straits Times Press (NSTP) as a correspondent in Sabah. He also served at Times of Malaysia London Ltd, the NST office in London, before being appointed editorial head of NST Sabah and Sarawak based in Kuching. Joseph previously worked with Sabah's local newspaper, the Daily Express.