Latest news with #BHOnline
New Straits Times
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Spring guitarist Iskandar passes away in Miri
KUALA LUMPUR: Tengku Raden Iskandar Tengku Ismail, better known as Iskandar Spring, the talented guitarist from the popular rock band Spring, sadly passed away at his residence in Miri, Sarawak, at approximately 1am this morning. He was 53. Ayob Abd Majid, Vice Chairman of Music Malaysia, confirmed the news, stating his association was informed by Iskandar's wife, Nur Hidayah Cecilia. "I was informed that Iskandar died at 1am this morning in Miri. I immediately informed Ameng Spring's wife, Sabariah, who then contacted Cecilia. His body is currently being prepared at the mosque," Ayob told BH Online. "He had been suffering from a stroke and kidney failure for a long time." Attempts by BH Online to reach Cecilia for comment were unsuccessful. Ayob remembered Iskandar as not just a gifted musician and one of Spring's co-founders, but also a dear friend and "comrade-in-arms." "We used to work closely when we were at Sony Music, where Spring was under my care at the time. Our relationship wasn't just professional; it was also full of friendship and mutual respect," he shared. "I've been saddened to follow the progress of his health, where he suffered from a stroke and kidney failure, before he moved to his wife's village in Miri. The last time we were in touch was when I delivered a donation to him. Even during that difficult period, his voice remained calm, patient, and full of gratitude." Ayob added that Iskandar was never forgotten by his fellow artists. "We at Konsortium Irama, together with PJ Art Lane, Ameng Spring, and Umarul Iklim, once organised a special charity programme to help ease his burden when he was ill. The programme wasn't just a fundraiser; it was a symbol of love and loyalty within the country's arts scene. His passing is a great loss for the Malaysian music world." "However, his legacy, rhythm, spirit, and friendship will continue to be remembered. May Allah forgive all his sins, accept his good deeds, and place his soul among the righteous," he said. Previously, it was reported that Iskandar had been paralysed and was suffering from various chronic illnesses, including diabetes and speech difficulties. He also required regular dialysis due to kidney complications, which left him unable to work and without a source of income.
New Straits Times
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Kayda captivated by her fiancé's kind personality, caring attitude
KUALA LUMPUR: Singer Kayda Aziz has revealed that her fiancé's exceptional character and caring nature were key factors in her decision to choose him as her future husband. The 34-year-old artiste, whose real name is Wan Nur Khaleda Roslan, explained that her relationship with Muhammad Syafiq Othman, 35, which began in 2023, started casually. "I met him through friends. Many of them have known Muhammad Syafiq for a long time, but we had never crossed paths. "So, when we finally met, I was surprised by how many people spoke so highly of him. "It was only after getting to know him better that I understood why. He's a genuinely lovely person," she told BH Online. The daughter of renowned singer Datuk Sheila Majid also believes that finding a kind-hearted man is a rare feat in today's world. "It's very unusual to find a truly kind and generous man nowadays. He's hardworking, responsible, and very trustworthy. I've also witnessed how dedicated and supportive he is towards his family," she said. "Honestly, that's what truly captivated me. My grandmother always said that when you're looking for a partner, you must find a good person. "He is exactly the person I've been searching for all this time. I prioritise a person's character, then their work ethic. "Looks aren't a priority, but for me, he's still handsome," she quipped playfully. When asked about her wedding plans, Kayda said that no date has been set yet, as there are still many arrangements to finalise. "God willing, perhaps next year. I still need to attend a marriage course, submit documents, book a mosque, await confirmation from the imam or tok kadi, and handle many other things," she said. Kayda added: "Next year, maybe early in the year before Aidilfitri or possibly after. It all depends on God's will." Commenting on the challenges of marriage preparations, Kayda shared that she's feeling positive, thanks to the unwavering support from her family and friends. "My family is incredibly supportive, but I am a little apprehensive because I've heard stories from friends about the complexities of getting married. "However, with my family's backing, I'm confident that everything will be made easier," she said. Yesterday, it was reported that Sheila expressed her delight by sharing a social media post showing her eldest daughter, Kayda, engaged to her chosen partner, Syafiq. The Instagram entry featured Kayda in an elegant pink traditional dress, accompanied by Sheila's words of gratitude and prayers for a smooth event.
New Straits Times
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Nora Danish: I have marriage proposals from uztaz, religious men
KUALA LUMPUR: Popular actress Nora Danish has expressed her disappointment after her wish to perform the haj pilgrimage this year was not fulfilled. Describing the turn of events as a lack of rezeki (divine sustenance), Nora, whose full name is Nora Mohd Danish Hanif, 43, remains confident that her dream of fulfilling the fifth pillar of Islam will one day come true. "I wanted to perform haj this year. I was ready. When I couldn't go, I felt very upset and sad. "We can only plan, but God is the one who determines it. After all, the call to perform haj comes from God. If it's destined, then it will happen. "So, I will celebrate Aidiladha here in Malaysia. Who knows, next year I might have the good fortune to perform haj with my new husband," she told BH Online. Commenting on the statement that seemed to hint at her remarriage, Nora clarified that it was merely a sentimental remark, not an indication of her desire to end her widowhood as widely assumed. Nora insisted that remarriage was not currently on her mind, as she is in a phase of self-discovery. "For me, everyone in this life definitely wants a partner, and I'm no exception. If possible, when going through a challenge, I don't want to face it alone," she said. "However, for now, I haven't thought about finding a soulmate. My focus today is simply to get to know myself." When asked if she would consider a match among ustaz (religious scholars), the single mother of two was open to the idea if that were her destiny. "As I enter a phase of drawing closer to Allah, I am often surrounded by ustaz, habib (descendants of Prophet Muhammad), and maulana (respected religious scholars) to fill the space in my heart," she said. "There's no doubt that some of them have approached me with the intention of marriage. But that's as far as it goes. I've drawn a line; I'm not ready to marry." Nora added, "I don't want to rush into finding a partner. I don't want to marry just because I'm lonely." "However, there's no denying that this religious group has a calm demeanour and polite speech. Indirectly, that trait has touched my heart. "This is the challenge I'm facing now. Fortunately, I have friends who advise me not to get carried away by my feelings," she said. Nora and her ex-husband, Nedim Mohamad Nazri, 41, divorced in June last year after seven years of marriage. They have one son together, Mohamed Neqayl, 6. Before that, Nora married Datuk Rizal Ashram or Jejai on June 20, 2006, and had a son, Putra Rayqal, 15, before their divorce in 2008.
New Straits Times
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Composer Adinda Amiro dies at 66
KUALA LUMPUR: Famous Malaysian composer, writer, and singer Adinda Amiro, whose real name was Saidin Omar, reportedly passed away last night at Serdang Hospital in Selangor. He was 66. The news of his death was confirmed by Ayob Abd Majid, Deputy Chairman of Music Malaysia. "News of the late Adinda's passing was shared on the Projek Syair 2024 WhatsApp group, where I was involved in a poetry album," Ayob told BH Online. Details regarding the cause of death have yet to be released. Ayob described Adinda's passing as a profound loss to Malaysia's music and cultural landscape. "He was an exceptionally talented artistic figure, contributing immensely to the country's music industry as a lyricist, composer, and poetry artist," he said. "His works transcend time and have touched the hearts of millions of Malaysians." Ayob added, "May his soul be blessed, placed among the righteous, and rewarded for all his artistic contributions that revived human souls." The news of Adinda's death was also shared on social media by veteran actor Zulkifli Ismail. "Innalillahiwainnailaihirojiun. Famous composer and singer Adinda Amiro, or his real name Saidin Omar, passed away last night," he wrote. "He breathed his last at Serdang Hospital at the age of 66. My condolences to his family." Throughout his illustrious career, Adinda Amiro composed numerous enduring hits for popular Malaysian singers and bands. His songs were consistently fresh and included notable tracks such as 'Bukan Aku Tak Cinta' and 'Aduhai! Seribu Kali Sayang' (performed by Iklim), 'Aku Tak Marah' (Arrow), 'Permaidani' (Aris Ariwatan), 'Cinta Tak Perlu Dipaksa' (Budak Kaca Mata), 'Cinta Itu Ketawa', and 'Air Mata' (Lestari), among many others.
New Straits Times
07-06-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Singer Sheqal put in induced coma, breathing unstable
KUALA LUMPUR: Singer Sheqal, known for his 1990s hit "Cinta Nusantara," was admitted to the Tuanku Jaafar Hospital in Seremban, Negri Sembilan, last Thursday. Sheqal's wife, 58-year-old Normah Mohd Yusoff, said that her husband's oxygen levels had plummeted, leading doctors to advise an induced coma. "Yes, my husband was admitted to Tuanku Jaafar Hospital on Thursday," Normah told BH Online. "I called an ambulance, and when checked, his oxygen had dropped to 62 per cent. He was taken straight to Tuanku Jaafar Hospital and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)." She explained the severity of his condition: "His breathing is unstable, and the doctor advised putting him to sleep because there's a bacterial infection and fluid in his lungs." Sharing further details about Sheqal, whose real name is Shahrin Salehuddin, Normah reported that his condition had improved yesterday, according to the doctors. "The fluid has been removed, and the doctor now wants to monitor for other diseases, as there might be something else that needs checking. I understand the doctor performed a CT scan last night," she said. "As of this morning, my husband is still sedated. The doctors aren't sure when he'll be woken up. However, thankfully, his oxygen has increased, and he's still being monitored." Normah also revealed the extent of Sheqal's ongoing health struggles: "Sheqal has already suffered four strokes. My husband also has stage four kidney disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes." Meanwhile, Ayob Abd Majid, president of the Malaysian Music Industry Consortium (Irama), confirmed he was informed of the singer's condition by Normah last night. "I received information from Normah that Sheqal was admitted to the hospital and put in an induced coma last night," Ayob said. "While he's sedated, we can't share much; it's a sensitive topic to discuss." He added, "Sheqal has three related illnesses and unstable oxygen levels. He's been unwell for a long time. I once recommended treatment for a stroke he suffered in Muar, Johor. So, let's pray for his swift recovery, God willing." The 60-year-old singer has been wheelchair-bound after suffering four strokes since 2020, with the most recent one occurring three years ago. Sheqal also battles stage four kidney disease. Yesterday, Ayob shared an update on Sheqal's health via a Facebook post: "He is currently being treated at Tuanku Jaafar Hospital, Seremban. Hopefully, all friends and acquaintances will pray for Sheqal to recover quickly. Your prayers are deeply meaningful at times like these." Previously, Sheqal had shared with BH Online that his illnesses had prevented him from working since his 2023 stroke. "I have kidney disease, four strokes, and I couldn't speak clearly – only now am I able to," he explained. "I was affected for five years and only just started speaking again after receiving treatment in Muar, Johor. Karyawan sent me there for treatment. I used to be bedridden, unable to stand, but now it's getting better." Due to his health, Sheqal's business was impacted, and he could no longer sing. He has since channeled his artistic interests into writing and painting.
