KUALA LUMPUR: Puan Sri Lee Kim Hua, widow of casino magnate Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong and the richest woman in Malaysia died this morning.
The 88-year-old, who reportedly owns RM2.10 billion in assets, is survived by her five children.
They are her daughters Puan Seri Lim Siew Lay, Lim Siew Lian, Lim Siew Kim as well as her sons Genting Bhd chairman and chief executive Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay and his younger brother Datuk Lim Chee Wah.
Lee reportedly owns RM2.10 billion in assets and was called the richest woman is Malaysia by the Vulcan Post last month.
She married Lim who was 10 years her senior at the age of 16 in 1944.
Lim who died in 2007 at 90 was the founder of the Genting Group. The couple’s eldest son Datuk Tee Keong also passed away some three years ago.
Kok Thay confirmed his mother’s death in a statement.
“On behalf of my family and the Genting Group of Companies, it is with great sadness, I announce that my beloved mother, Puan Sri Lee Kim Hua has passed away peacefully today morning,” he said.
When the news broke, Malaysians took to Facebook to express their condolences and prayers for Lee’s soul to be at peace while giving her family words of comfort.
MCA’s Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family.
“Lee was a brave woman, she struggled alongside Lim and went through much difficult times while he built his empire from scratch. Lim often attributed his success to her in his talks.”
“She was by his side through thick and thin. Lee also supported Lim’s philanthropic work, there is no way you can do so much charity without your wife’s support,” said the community service head, who had been friends with Lim since the 1980s.
Chong further said that the widow took on husband’s philanthropic work when he died and always lent a listening ear to those with disputes or problems that were related to the group or personal troubles.
He also said that Lee was cheerful and appreciated performances by foreign artistes especially Hong Kong and Taiwanese singers.
He however said Lee rarely made social appearances and kept to herself lately.
The wake will be held from today at 6pm until Monday at 11pm, at the family home on 28, Jalan Tengku Ampuan, Taman Duta Kuala Lumpur.
For enquiries, please contact Tham Yu Choi at 016-3326491.