KUALA TERENGGANU - Terengganu cultural arts figure Wan Salmah Wan Sulaiman, 82, died at Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital (HSNZ) here this morning.
The late Wan Salmah, who hailed from Kampung Tiong, Kuala Terengganu, was the original singer of the song Ulek Mayang and played a key role in bringing Malay gamelan to the international stage, including performances in Frankfurt, Milan, Amsterdam and Zurich. She also represented Malaysia at the ninth Asean Arts Festival in Hong Kong in 1984.
Her son, Shahriman Shamsuddin, 52, said his mother was admitted to HSNZ about 20 days ago due to a severe drop in her oxygen levels.
"Mami (as she was affectionately known) passed away at about 9.25 am today. I was with her when she breathed her last. The doctor said Mami died due to a lack of oxygen, which caused her organs to stop functioning.
"Mami did not have chronic illnesses, only diabetes. Her 82nd birthday is on Sept 19, but we did not get the chance to celebrate it with her,” he said when contacted today.
Shahriman said the funeral prayers would be held at Masjid Gong Tok Nasek before the burial at Surau Hidayah Muslim Cemetery in Kampung Mengabang Tengah, near here, after Zohor prayers.
He said his late mother, who was well-known among members of the cultural arts community, is survived by five children, 20 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Among the recognitions she received throughout her career were the Terengganu State Cultural Arts Figure Award in 2016, Special Arts Icon Award for dance in 2018, and Gamelan Figure Award in 2018. - BERNAMA