KUALA LUMPUR: Renowned music maestro Datuk S Atan, whose real name was Hashim Said, passed away this afternoon at his residence in Bukit Kajang Baru, Kajang. He was 75.
His daughter-in-law, Shazana Darawin, confirmed that S Atan succumbed to a lung infection caused by bacteria.
"He breathed his last peacefully at 3.23pm today. Arrangements for his bathing, prayers, and burial are still being finalised," she told BH Online
S Atan had been battling health issues in recent years.
On Sept 16, he was admitted to a medical center due to a lung infection caused by bacteria but was reported to be in stable condition at the time.
The father of six had previously suffered a stroke in 2006 and was hospitalised again in 2019 for kidney problems.
A pivotal figure in the Malaysian music industry, S Atan had composed over 1,000 songs during a career that spanned over four decades.
Hailing from Singapore, S Atan's legacy includes timeless festive classics such as Balik Kampung, Menjelang Hari Raya, Dari Jauh Ku Pohon Maaf, Cahaya Aidilfitri, and Indahnya Beraya di Desa.
Known for infusing his works with a distinct Malay essence, his songs remain evergreen and are still frequently played on the radio.
S Atan began his artistic journey at the young age of 17, collaborating with many iconic Malaysian singers, including the late Tan Sri SM Salim, the late Datuk Sharifah Aini, Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Datuk DJ Dave, and Datuk Sheila Majid, among others.
He also ventured into the Taiwanese music industry, composing Chinese songs for two years.
In August 2023, S Atan was conferred the Seri Pangkuan Melaka (DPSM), earning him the title of Datuk, during the 74th Birthday Celebration of the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Melaka, Tun Dr Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam.