YAYASAN Artist 1Malaysia (YA1M) joins in the effort to support Datuk Ooi Eow Jin financially by putting him on a pension scheme that provides him with a RM500 monthly allowance.
The association’s president, Datuk DJ Dave, shared the news during a visit on Tuesday to the veteran composer’s home in Petaling Jaya, where he presented a cheque for RM2,000 to the ailing veteran.
“We started this initiative three years ago, and it’s to help those who can no longer help themselves,” said DJ Dave.
Also on YA1M’s pension scheme are singers Uji Rashid, Sahara Yaakob, Zainal Rampa and drummer Yazit Ahmad.
“We’ll have a meeting to discuss who else we can add to the list, but we’ll have to narrow it down to those with severe disabilities and monetary issues.”
DJ Dave added that if more funds were needed to pay for Ooi’s welfare, YA1M might organise a tribute concert for the composer, like the one it had for the late singer Tan Sri S.M. Salim in 2016.
“Ooi’s talents as one of the most prolific music producers in Malaysia need to be highlighted.
“He’s worked with top artistes, so to listen to his works would be an entertaining experience.”
This marked YA1M’s third visit to see Ooi, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
Present was renowned singer and composer Datuk M. Nasir, who said Ooi had a special place in his heart because the composer had worked on his first album, Untuk Pencinta Seni.