KUALA LUMPUR: Veteran singer Rahim Maarof who has been warded at the intensive care unit (ICU) of Sungai Buloh Hospital for a week has regained consciousness after reportedly suffering a stroke.
The 68-year-old singer's niece Nik Nazira Narriman who is also the wife of hip-hop singer Yonnyboii said on WhatsApp yesterday that doctors told her uncle's family that he suffered from high blood pressure and did not have a stroke.
"He is still being closely monitored. Let us all pray for his full recovery. We are so glad that he has regained consciousness," she said.
Rahim underwent head surgery last Friday, and was believed by his family to have suffered a stroke at home early last week.
His cousin, identified only as Lydia, told Harian Metro Online that he was quickly admitted to Sungai Buloh Hospital and placed in the ICU.
Rahim is best known for his hit songs such as Istana Menanti, Cinta Kristal, Syakilla and Dir.
He was nicknamed Malaysia's answer to Michael Bolton for his long hair and soulful songs.
In 2011 he participated in TV3 reality show Mentor's fifth season as the mentor of actor and singer Aiman Hakim Ridza.