#SHOWBIZ: Singer Sheqal put in induced coma, breathing unstable

New Straits Times

10 hours ago

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.