The state police chief Ramli Din said Senu, 49, was rushed to the Melaka Hospital but was confirmed dead at 7.58pm.

He said Senu was resting after playing a match at 6.20pm when he collapsed.

“He just joined us at the state police HQ two months ago. Before that he was the Special Branch head at the Kuala Muda police HQ in Kedah.

“He had served the force for 28 years. He was a hardworking and dedicated officer,” Ramli told reporters when met at the hospital’s mortuary.

He added that Senu was not known to have any problems and that police had classified the case as sudden death pending the post-mortem report.

Senu leaves behind wife Suraya Jusoh, 42, a teacher, and three children.

Ramli said the funeral will be held in Senu’s home village Kampung Seribong in Pasir Tumboh, Kota Baru.

“Malacca and Kelantan police will help out in the funeral arrangements,” he said.