JOHOR BARU, Malaysia: A traffic police officer died of a heart attack while directing traffic during the International Desaru Triathlon in Desaru here.

Kpl Ibrahim Jalaluddin, 53, from the Jalan Omar traffic police station was on duty during the cycling phase of the competition yesterday when he collapsed near the Tanjung Balau roundabout at Jalan Desaru.

Several event volunteers rushed to administer emergency aid to Kpl Ibrahim but they were unable to revive him.

Kpl Ibrahim leaves a widow and four children. -The Star/ANN