Local Comedian Alias Kadir Passes Away at Age 58

This morning (28 Jun), it was announced that local comedian Alias Kadir, aged 58, had passed away at around 7:53am at the National University Hospital (NUH). 

The cause of death was not revealed. 

The comedian’s career began through his involvement in the Cekup Theatre Group which won the Sriwana Comedy Drama Festival competition in 1986.

He had starred in several Malay sitcoms including “Bubur Masjid Air Katira”, and was also in the 2000 movie “Chicken Rice War”.

In May 2021, it was reported that Alias had to amputate his right leg due to gangrene that had spread above his right knee. 

He had to amputate his left leg in 2017 due to complications arising from diabetes. 

In 2018, he had spoken about his illness in a video for the Health Promotion Board (HPB). He shared that he had initially taken it lightly, and he also talked about how his family helped him through it. 

He had been hospitalised for more than one month and was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) twice within the same period of time in NUH. 

Berita Harian spoke with his son Jumaat Azhar and reported that Alias had been suffering from health complications including gangrene, bacterial infections, and swollen lungs. 

He faced breathing difficulties as a result and ate less. 

Jamiyah Singapore, also known as Muslim Missionary Society Singapore, launched a fundraising project on 17 June raising $100,000 to cover his hospital bills, as well as the cost of treatment and rehabilitation after being discharged. 

The fundraising project was called “Project Permata”, meaning “Gem”, to highlight Alias’ contributions to the entertainment industry as well as to the welfare organisation.

Alias had been volunteering at the organisation for a long time and was known to be actively involved in many of its programmes and activities. 

The organisation had been planning to hold an online fundraising event on 3 July 2021 featuring performances from local artistes and celebrities. 

Alias’ last performance took place during Ramadan this year. He had played the role of Rahmat in the fourth season of “Bubur Masjid Air Katira”.

The news of his passing was followed by tributes and dedications from local celebrities and politicians, including Amrin Amin, Suhaimi Yusof, and Maliki Osman.

Feature Image: Facebook (Amrin Amin)