KUALA LUMPUR: The death of the country’s legendary singer, Datuk M Daud Kilau (pix) has been described as a great loss to the music industry that left a huge hole in the hearts of fellow artistes.
Fans and industry players portrayed the singer, better known as ‘Raja Gelek Malaysia’, as a humble and professional individual whom they greatly admired.
Yayasan Kebajikan Artis Tanah Air (YKAT) president Datuk DJ Dave expressed deep sadness over the passing of the ‘Cek Mek Molek’ singer, whom he had known for 50 years.
“We have lost a prominent figure in the country’s creative scene. YKAT is saddened by the news of his passing and we pray for his family to remain strong in facing this difficult time,” he told Bernama.
DJ Dave said he would forever cherish the singer’s playful and entertaining nature that brought joy to his friends.
According to him, he received the news of the singer’s passing while on the way home from visiting the family of Asia’s renowned drummer, the late Lewis Pragasam, who died early this morning due to a heart attack.
“M Daud Kilau was the recipient of YKAT pension since March 2020, and YKAT plans to visit the family tomorrow,” he added.
Condolences and heartfelt sympathies poured in for his family from other artistes, including singer Noorshila Amin and actor Zulkifli Ismail.
Throughout his long career, M Daud Kilau made 15 albums and recorded numerous songs in various genres, including ‘langgam’, ‘asli’ and ‘dangdut’. Among his many hit songs are ‘Gurindam Jiwa’, ‘Gila Judi’ and ‘Cubit-Cubit Sayang’.
Mohd Daud Kilau, 85, who suffered from multiple health issues including diabetes and heart conditions, breathed his last at the Teluk Intan Hospital in Perak at 4.40 pm today.
His remains will be buried at the Sungai Balah Baroh Muslim Cemetery in Bagan Datuk after Zohor prayers tomorrow. -Bernama
