KUALA LUMPUR: Singaporean comedian Gurmit Singh of Phua Chu Kang fame had the fright of his life seven years ago.
He said in an interview at The Ascott Hotel in Jalan Pinang here yesterday that he was "so lucky to be alive".
Gurmit, 59, said that his heart stopped beating for 30 seconds in 2017, and when he was rushed to the nearest hospital, the doctors could not ascertain the cause of his health scare.
"I woke up in a hospital room, and felt as if my brain had stopped working. When my wife called me to ask where I was, I just could not give her an answer," said Gurmit.
"A specialist then examined me and I had an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) test as well as a 30-minute cardio test."
Gurmit was subsequently given some medicine and lost consciousness.
"The doctor then told me that my heart stopped beating for 30 seconds. His team just couldn't ascertain the cause of it."
Since that health scare, Gurmit learnt to watch what he ate every day.
"In 2019, I decided to share my experience with fans at a comedy show in Kuala Lumpur. They loved my show and expressed support and sympathy, besides encouraging me to take better care of myself," he said.
Gurmit also said that in 2002, he learnt from a blood test that his cholesterol level was very high, and was advised by his doctor to "drastically control his diet".
Gurmit will entertain fans in Phua Chu Kang: The Greatest Show Man organised by Popcorn Studio Sdn Bhd at 8pm on Oct 24 and 25.
His showcase will be held at the HGH Convention Centre in Jalan Sentul.
He will be joined by Malaysian comedian Rizal Van Geyzel and singer-songwriter Russell Curtis.