#SHOWBIZ: Yusof Haslam: 'Raja Nurfatimah was a dear friend who helped my family all the way'
"Raja Nurfatimah and I go back a long way," he said when contacted.
"She covered my work when I was still an actor, and she was there when I became a filmmaker with the Sembilu series too."
Yusof added that Raja Nurfatimah was a steadfast supporter of his sons.
"When my sons Syamsul and Syafiq rose in the industry, she was the first entertainment journalist to give them support.
"My family and I owe her so much, and we'll all miss her dearly," he told NST.
Yusof also fondly recalled Raja Nurfatimah's annual Hari Raya Aidilfitri visits.
"She would always visit me during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, and we would engage in hearty conversations about Malaysian entertainment."
Describing her professional qualities, Yusof said, "She was very hardworking, dedicated, knowledgeable, but most of all, humble and friendly. Almost everyone in showbiz knew her and had good things to say about her."
Yusof shared his regret, saying, "I had plans to visit Raja Nurfatimah in July, but alas, this was not to be."
"On behalf of my family, I convey my heartfelt condolences to Raja Nurfatimah's loved ones," Yusof said. "Malaysia has lost a great entertainment journalist, and the entertainment world has lost a good friend. We will always remember her love and support for Malaysian entertainment."
Several artistes also paid tribute to Raja Nurfatimah on Facebook and Instagram, including Fauziah Ahmad Daud, Datuk Hattan, and Datuk Fauziah Nawi.
In an Instagram post, Fauziah Ahmad Daud wrote: "Rest in peace, Raja Nurfatimah. Thank you so much for being a great friend to all of us."
Hattan shared on Facebook: "May she be placed among the righteous. We've lost a great friend."
Fauziah Nawi also expressed her condolences on Facebook: "May her soul rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences to her family."
Raja Nurfatimah, 49, passed away at her home in Sungai Long, Kuala Lumpur, around 2 pm today.
Her death, reportedly due to breathing difficulties and chest pain, has shocked both the journalistic fraternity and the entertainment industry.
She was an outstanding, award-winning journalist throughout her three-decade-long career.
Raja Nurfatimah's remains have been sent to Kajang Hospital for a post-mortem.
She will be laid to rest in her hometown of Kuala Terengganu later.
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