{
  "id": 671162,
  "title": "Ex-national footballer Dzulkifli Ali dies aged 65",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/ex-national-footballer-dzulkifli-ali-dies-aged-65",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-12T14:38:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/08/12/ex-national-footballer-dzulkifli-ali-dies-aged-65"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Malaysian footballer Dzulkifli Ali passed away at the age of 65 due to heart and intestinal complications, according to Bernama. His daughter, Nor Amylia, revealed that he had been receiving treatment at Seberang Jaya Hospital for three days before his demise. Dzulkifli, a seasoned defender for Penang during the 1980s, was hailed as a tough and aggressive player capable of playing either right-back or central defence. He was an integral part of the national team that faced renowned football stars like George Best and Kevin Keegan from Northern Ireland in 1984. Even after retiring from professional football, Dzulkifli continued to engage in the sport by participating in friendly matches and national veterans tournaments alongside his former teammates. Penang Malay Football Ex-Players Association secretary Mahathir Jamal Mohamad expressed deep sorrow over Dzulkifli's death, emphasizing that his service and contributions would forever be cherished by his family, friends, and the Penang football community. Dzulkifli was laid to rest at the Bagan Jermal Muslim cemetery in Butterworth following Asr prayers on the same day.",
  "summary": "The Penang defender died while being treated in hospital for heart and intestinal complications, says his daughter.",
  "key_points": [
    "Former Malaysian footballer Dzulkifli Ali dies at 65",
    "Heart and intestinal complications led to his death",
    "Played for Penang in 1980s, faced football legends"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Ex-national footballer Dzulkifli Ali dies aged 65",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/ex-national-footballer-dzulkifli-ali-dies-aged-65-676550",
        "published": "2026-08-12T14:38:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}