Perak govt vows to help veteran singer

THE Perak state government has pledged to channel financial assistance to veteran singer Datuk M Daud Kilau ( pic) whose health is deteriorating, reported Utusan Malaysia.

State executive councillor for Islamic religious affairs and information Mohd Akmal Kamarudin said Baitulmal would look into giving the assistance.

“Baitulmal will channel aid. We have brought donations but we will give other assistance later. Baitulmal will observe first,” he said.

The veteran singer, famous for traditional tunes Cek Mek Molek and Laksamana Raja Di Laut, said he was happy and touched by the state government’s concern for his health.

“It feels like part of the burden from my illnesses was lifted when a state government official came by for a visit,” said the 82-year-old, who is suffering from diabetes, back pain and an unstable heart condition.

Saying that he has to go for health check-ups every three or four months, Daud still intends to perform for his fans when his health improves.

> Carbon monoxide poisoning victim Nor Aqilah Mohd Safwan will be referred to Hospital Kuala Lumpur for a brain scan, reported Harian Metro.

Nor Aqilah, whose twin was among three women killed when their car exhaust pipe leaked, is expected to be discharged from the hospital this week.

Seberang Perai Tengah district police chief Asst Comm Shafee Abd Samad said the 21-year-old was transferred to the regular ward after having been treated at the intensive care unit of Tuanku Mizan Armed Forces Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, since Sept 17.

“She is still under medical supervision and has also undergone physiotherapy,” he said.

During the incident at a petrol station on the North-South Expressway near Permatang Pauh on Sept 16, Nor Aqilah, who was with her twin Nor Adilah, Sharifa Fariesha Syed Fathi and Ayunie Shazwanie Shabri, were found unconscious in a multi-purpose vehicle with the engine running. Only Nor Aqilah, who was the driver, survived.