KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 – Veteran actress Latifah Omar, 74, died of colon ailment at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), here yesterday.
Her eldest son, Afendi Rahmat, 55, said Latifah had undergone treatment for the ailment at a medical centre in Kampung Baru before being taken to UKMMC to undergo surgery.
“Doctors said her colon was swollen and blocked and had to be operated. The surgery today was to stabilise her but she died at 6.19pm,” he told Bernama when met at Masjid Al-Khairiah AU3 here, tonight.
Afendi said Latifah’s last message was that her body be brought to the mosque for prayers. Burial is expected at AU4 Muslim cemetery at 11am tomorrow.
Latifah, who leave four children and eight grandchildren, had been ill for some time and was often visited by fellow artistes.
Meanwhile, her cousin, Zalimah Nordin, 64, said Latifah had asked that close relatives living in AU3 area to take care of her. Latifah was one of the earliest Malay movie leading ladies and was often cast beside screen hero Nordin Ahmad.
Her death came five days after the death of veteran comedian S.Shamsuddin who died of pneumonia and old age in Singapore.
Latifah starred in classic films such as Panggilan Pulau, Bawang Putih Bawang Merah, Laila Majnun, Putus Sudah Kasih Sayang, Gurindam Jiwa, Hang Jebat and Hati Batu.
She also acted with stars such as P. Ramlee (Tan Sri), Normadiah, Yusof Latif, Saleh Kamil, S. Shamsudin, Siti Tanjung Perak, Omar Rojik, S.Kadarisman and Ibrahim Pendek.
– BERNAMA
