Georgetown: The Election Commission (EC) will be notified of the Ayer Kuning seat vacancy as early as Tuesday, announced Perak state assembly speaker Datuk Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid. This follows the passing of Ayer Kuning assemblyman Ishsam Shahruddin, who died after collapsing following a friendly football match at Bandaraya Stadium in Georgetown, Penang.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, a by-election must be held within 60 days from the date the EC receives the official notice of vacancy. The last by-election in Perak was for the Slim state seat on August 29, 2020.

In the wake of the assemblyman's sudden demise, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and several state executive councillors paid their respects by visiting the late assemblyman's family. Ishsam's remains were returned to his residence around 12.30 am after an autopsy at Penang Hospital. The body was then taken to Masjid An-Nur for funeral rites before being laid to rest at Rapat Setia Muslim Cemetery.