M. Daud Kilau asking for prayers for recovery

BAGAN DATUK, Sept 30  – “Pray for my health. If I die, offer al-Fatihah for me,” said veteran singer, Datuk M. Daud Kilau, 82.

The Raja Gelek Malaysia, whose real name is Datuk Muhammad Daud Kilau, said his health has been deteriorating since 2016 and that he has diabetes, back pain and a heart condition, and is reliant on medication for day-to-day life.

“I hope I will get better soon. If I don’t, that’s OK. If I go, pray for me and offer al-Fatihah,” he repeated when visited by Islamic and Information Committee chairman, Mohd Akmal Kamarudin, at his house in Kampung Sungai Balai Baruh, today.

“I just stay at home (because) it’s difficult to move. I spend time with God in the time I have remaining,” he said.  

The Sirih Pinang and Cek Mek Molek singer who lives with his wife, Datin Rohani Awang Ngah, 62, and son, said he receives routine follow-up care from Klinik Kesihatan Bagan Datuk.

“I’ve had diabetes a long time, tens of years now. I suffer from backache, can’t stand too long – pray on a chair -- have numbness in my legs and arms, an unstable heart and hearing loss,” he said.

He said he misses singing and dancing in front of people, as well as wearing his over 100 bright labuci (sequinned) costumes which he has been synonymous with since the 60s.

“I’ve received invitations (to perform), but had to decline. InsyaAllah, when I’m well, I will take them up,” said the singer who has two children and nine grandchildren.

Mohd Akmal said he would look into the type of assistance he can offer M. Daud.

“We can see that he is not well, has health problems and is not able to earn money. The state government will try to help through Baitulmal,” he said.

M.Daud’s career took off after he won Bintang Radio in 1968.

-- BERNAMA