Singapore doctor dies 'on the way to work' in NZ

Dr Husaini, a father of five, had moved to New Zealand with his family about nine years ago.
Dr Husaini, a father of five, had moved to New Zealand with his family about nine years ago.

A 50-year-old Singaporean doctor died while walking through a park in central Christchurch on Monday morning.

Dr Husaini Abdul Hafiz, a father of five, had moved to New Zealand with his family about nine years ago, reported Berita Harian.

He was believed to have collapsed and died at Hagley Park while on his way to work at the Canterbury District Health Board.

New Zealand media reported that police were called to the park, near Christchurch Hospital, at about 8.15am on Monday. A section of the footpath in the park was cordoned off.

A New Zealand police spokesman said the death was not suspicious and had been referred to the coroner.

Dr Husaini was a key figure who had brought together professionals in the Singapore Muslim healthcare community some 13 years ago, reported BH.

He was also one of a group of medical professionals who formed the Muslim Healthcare Professionals Association and was active in non-governmental organisation Mercy Relief before moving to New Zealand. He previously ran a GP clinic in Choa Chu Kang.

Media reports did not indicate the cause of death, but reported that family members had expressed shock over Dr Husaini's sudden death as he was in good health and was not known to be suffering from any health conditions.

Mr Alwi Abdul Hafiz said his late brother had planned to return to Singapore this week as a surprise to their 77-year-old mother.

He added that Dr Husaini was to be buried in New Zealand and his family in Singapore had made plans to go over for the funeral.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 17, 2017, with the headline Singapore doctor dies 'on the way to work' in NZ. Subscribe