KUALA LUMPUR: News of the death of former national badminton doubles player Datuk Razif Sidek, which went viral on social sites, is not true, said his younger brother Rashid Sidek.

Rashid when contacted by Bernama Saturday confirmed that the news was fake and that his brother was now in Genting Highlands, Pahang, to attend the Purple League Badminton Championship.

“I was shocked when I received many calls from friends asking about the matter since last night. If the news is true, I would have been informed earlier,” he said.

He also expressed regret with the action of the individuals who uploaded a picture of a man alleged to be Razif lying on a hospital bed.

“Such matters cannot be toyed with as it involves the lives and feelings of people close to him (Razif),” he said. – Bernama