PUTRAJAYA - Veteran television actor Jamal Muhamad, better known as Pak Cik Jamal, died yesterday at the Putrajaya Hospital. He was 75.
He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital on Tuesday night after complaining of breathing difficulties and died at 11am.
His daughter Sheila, 47, said her father had previously been admitted to hospital several times for heart and liver complications, as well as for spinal problems.
However, his condition had reportedly worsened after he returned from performing the umrah last month.
"His illness had worsened following his return from Mecca.
"The doctor said he was suffering from a chronic lung disease and was suspected to have contracted the MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus)," said Sheila.
"He was much more active prior to travelling to perform the umrah, even as he was suffering from his illnesses."
Jamal's body was taken to the Jameatussolehah Mosque in Dengkil for the funeral rites before being buried at the Dengkil Muslim Cemetery nearby after Asar prayers.
Jamal was popular for his role as the speaker in the local TV series Mini Parliment, which was aired on Radio Television Malaysia in the 1980s.
The series was slated for a new season with brand new cast members this year.
He is survived by his wife, Zainab Serat, 67, three children and eight grandchildren.