KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Dahlan Zainuddin, the veteran singer behind songs as Kisah Seorang Biduan and Joget Kaki Lima, has been hospitalised following his second stroke in three years.
Dahlan’s wife Datin Effa Rizan said the 78-year-old crooner fell unconscious while they were in the living room of their house last Saturday shortly before breaking of fast.
She said that Dahlan was in good spirits while they were in conversation, but he suddenly became “silent and still” on his chair.
“I thought he had fallen asleep and tried to wake him up, but when he didn’t give a response, I quickly called an ambulance,” said Effa in a news report yesterday.
Dahlan was sent to the Selayang Hospital, and is currently at its emergency ward. Effa and their children Natasha Idha, 40, Mohd Danial, 35, and Athinia Ines, 24, are looking after him.
“He’s gone through one stroke and recovered, we all believe he will overcome this one, too,” said Effa.
She also said that doctors told the family that Dahlan’s stroke has affected the right side of his body. His first stroke on June 29, 2016 affected the left side of his body.
Dahlan’s first stroke occurred shortly after breaking fast with children from an orphanage in Kangar, Perlis. He spent seven months at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital and Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital.
Three of his old friends, veteran singers Jay Jay of Carefree, Jatt of Black Dog Bone and Fredo Villenguez of Flybaits helped organise a fund-raising concert on Feb 19, 2017 to help him meet his medical expenses.
The concert titled Superstars Of The ‘80s Live At Hard Rock Cafe Kuala Lumpur was organised by Melody United Music and supported by Karyawan.
Dahlan performed two of his songs in the concert.