KUALA LUMPUR: Veteran Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) newscaster Farit Ismeth Emir died at the Assunta Hospital in Petaling Jaya today.
He was 66.
His death at 11am was announced by his son, hip-hop singer, composer, lyricist and producer Farzwa De Attaher Emir or DJ Fuzz.
"Farit Ismeth Emir breathed his last at Assunta Hospital, Petaling Jaya, this morning.
"He was better known as Pak Ngah to RTM broadcasters and was widely respected. He will be missed," said Fuzz in a news report today.
RTM newscaster Rozimah Mahyiddin, in a Facebook post expressed her heartfelt condolences to Farit's family.
She said: "Dear RTM friends, I have just received this sad news from Pak Ngah's family. He breathed his last at Assunta Hospital, Petaling Jaya, this morning. Al-Fatihah. May his soul be blessed and may he be placed amongst the believers. Amen."
Another RTM newscaster Azam Hussain said in a Facebook post: "The legend of RTM news, Farit Ismeth Emir, left us today in Assunta Hospital, Petaling Jaya. May his soul rest in peace. Al-Fatihah."
Farit joined RTM in the mid-1980s and was dubbed "the man with the golden voice" for his crisp, clear and commanding voice. As a newscaster, he was best known for presenting the world news in Dunia Jam 10.
The father of seven children was also known for ending his broadcasts with thought-provoking proverbs as well as poems. His best known catchline was "fikir-fikirkan" (think about it).
Farit also did voiceover work for television advertisements, and his best known advertisement was that of Dunhill, where he uttered the brand's famous tagline "Gaya, Mutu, Keunggulan".
Farit will be buried later today at the Taman Medan (PJS4) Muslim Cemetery, Petaling Jaya.