#SHOWBIZ: Singer Sheqal dies at 60
KUALA LUMPUR: Beloved Malaysian singer Shahrin Salehuddin, better known as Sheqal, passed away at 60.
The iconic voice of 1990s Nusantara and traditional pop music breathed his last at 12.31pm today at Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital in Seremban.
Sheqal had been battling a severe lung infection and fluid in his lungs.
The news of his passing was confirmed by the Yayasan Kebajikan Artis Tanahair (YKAT), whose chairman, Datuk DJ Dave, was present at the hospital during his final moments, alongside Sheqal's wife and two children.
A statement from YKAT read, "We have just lost an artistic soul."
"Shahrin Salehuddin, better known as Sheqal, who was hugely popular in the 1990s with his Nusantara and traditional pop music, passed away at 12.31pm today.
"He had been suffering from a lung infection and fluid in his lungs."
The statement further detailed the emotional scene at the hospital.
"The YKAT team had just arrived at the Anggerik ICU in Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital, Seremban.
"Upon their arrival, he took his last breath, witnessed by Datuk DJ Dave (Chairman of YKAT), alongside his wife and two children."
Sheqal rose to prominence in the 1990s, captivating audiences with his unique blend of traditional Malay melodies and contemporary pop sensibilities.
His music played a significant role in popularising the Nusantara genre, leaving an indelible mark on the Malaysian music landscape.
Condolences have begun pouring in from fellow artistes and admirers, all remembering his distinctive voice and the timeless music he created.
According to YKAT, Sheqal's body is expected to be taken to Raub, Pahang, for funeral arrangements.
The foundation has also extended financial assistance to his family to help with the immediate costs.
The statement concluded with a call for prayer: "Let's all offer Al-Fatihah and pray that his soul is blessed."
Previously, Sheqal was admitted to Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital on June 4 and put in an induced coma on June 6.
Through his marriage to his ex-wife, Raja Ema, Sheqal was blessed with two sons, Putera Ammar and Putera Al-Kasyah.
Meanwhile, his marriage to his current wife, Normah Mohd Yusoff, has been blessed with a pair of children: Muhammad Fatullah Shaharim, 21, and Ummu Hani Shaharim, 20.
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