KUALA LUMPUR: The former drummer of local thrash metal band Cromok, Miji, passed away in Pasir Mas, Kelantan at 10.40pm on Wednesday. He was 58.
It is believed that Miji, whose real name was Tarmizi Mokhtar, had died of stage four liver cancer.
The unfortunate news of his passing was shared by the band's guitarist, Karl, via a post on Facebook, on Wednesday night.
"With great sadness and a deep sense of loss, we would like to inform you that Tarmizi Mokhtar (Miji of Cromok) has returned to Rahmatullah on 6 March 2024 at 10.40 pm.
"May his soul be blessed and placed among the believers," wrote Karl.
In a later message, Karl shared that Miji's body was laid to rest in an Islamic cemetery in Pasir Mas after the dzuhur prayers yesterday.
Previously, the guitarist had also posted on Facebook that Miji was being treated in a hospital for stage four liver cancer.
Karl had requested for Cromok fans to pray for Miji and his family to be strong.
Last October, during the Cromok Forever in Time 30th Anniversary Live concert at Zepp Kuala Lumpur, the band announced Miji's departure from the metal group due to his health issues.
Although present at the concert, Miji did not perform on stage but attended the event to show his support for his former bandmates.
Miji and Karl were the original Cromok members who formed the band in 1987, with Sam (vocals, bass) and Din (vocals, guitar) when they were students at the University of Wollongong in Sydney, Australia.