Sirim Bhd President and Chief Executive Datuk Yahaya Ahmad died today. He was 59.

Sirim said in a statement that Yahaya who had pancreatic cancer, died at 10.55am at his home, No. 16, Jalan Merbok 6/1A, Seksyen 6, Shah Alam.

He leaves behind wife Datin Prof Shah Rizam Mohd Shah Baki and eight children.

Yahaya joined Sirim on Aug 16, 1976 as a research officer and was made President and Chief Executive on Sept 1, 2007.

His remains were laid to rest at the Seksyen 21 Muslim Cemetery in Shah Alam after zohor prayers. -- Bernama