TUARAN: Malay film star of the 1970s, Elias Augustine Lantau passed away at his residence in Kampung Barus Bohokon, here, at about 11.54 am today.
He was 89.
The news of his passing was confirmed by his nephew, Mathew Leo, 60.
"With deep sorrow, we announce that Elias Augustine Lantau has passed away today, May 24, 2024. The body is now at the family home in Kampung Barus Bohokon, Tuaran," he said today.
The late Elias, a former bodybuilder who won the Mr Sabah title on Sept 16, 1963, leaves behind three sons and four grandchildren. His wife, Rosline Rangkat, passed away in 2018.
Elias made history as the first actor from the Dusun Lotud or Suang Lotud ethnic group in Sabah to break into the Malay film industry. He retired from acting after starring in the film "Mat Salleh Pahlawan Sabah," produced by Sabah Film Productions in 1983, where he played the role of Mat Salleh.
The role of Mat Salleh in his final film had a significant impact on him, with fans recognizing him more as Mat Salleh than by his real name, Elias Augustine Lantau.
Elias also starred in the first Malay film, "Puaka," directed by Omar Rojik in 1973, followed by "Si Buta" (1975), "Rashia Hati Ku" (1975), and "Loceng Maut" (1977).
He frequently played villainous roles and acted alongside renowned actors such as Maria Arshad, Hussein Abu Hassan, Tamam Idris, Sharifah Hanim, Dali Siliwangi, Maznah Ahmad, Merdawatie, Mariati, Mak Enon, M Amin, and Ali Rahman in several films.
He was also offered a role by Shaw Brothers Ltd to act with famous Hong Kong movie star Chen Sing in 1973.
At the age of 28, Elias ventured into bodybuilding, winning the Mr Sabah title five times between 1963 and 1973.
Mathew said the public, including relatives and friends, can pay their last respects to Elias at the family home in Kampung Barus Bohok, Tuaran.