IPOH: Former Star Media Group's photographer Lew Yong Kan has passed away on Friday (March 31).
Lew, 72, who started his career with the company in 1971, retired in 2012 as an assistant chief photographer.
The cause of his death has yet to be known.
He was attached to the Ipoh bureau throughout his career with The Star.
Lew was known to be a very friendly, helpful and caring person.
He would go out of his way to help anyone, especially those in the media fraternity.
Star Media Group reporter Ivan Loh said Lew, who was known as "Uncle Lau" among the younger members of the press, was a helpful person.
"As a senior member in the field, he was well respected and was always ready to dispense advice to reporters and photographers.
"When I was just a rookie, he would share his experience as a newsman and also tips on how to take pictures.
"I would also receive calls from Lew once in a while. Just two weeks ago, he asked about my well-being," Loh added.
StarMetro editor VP Sujata said Lew did not think twice about helping anyone.
She said he had also offered monetary help to those in need, even when he did not earn much.
"I knew him and was close to him and his family ever since I was transferred to the Ipoh bureau in 1993.
"He messaged me every morning, until the day of his death.
"If it's not a good morning message, it would be news of things happening in the country.
"Always a news man, even after retirement. Missing him much, so distraught," she added.
