His son, Lester J Bingkasan, who is also a journalist with a newspaper, said his father died at Hospital Queen Elizabeth II here at 3.56am today.

The veteran journalist was a recipient of the Tabung Kasih Hawana in 2023, which was presented by communications minister Fahmi Fadzil during a visit to his home in Inanam.

“My father passed away this morning. He had bone and prostate cancer. He was also undergoing haemodialysis. We ask all friends to pray for my father,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

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

Joseph was diagnosed with cancer in 2014 and also suffered from kidney failure and hypertension.

He had extensive experience in journalism, beginning 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.

He also previously worked at local Sabah newspaper, The Daily Express.