KUALA LUMPUR: Popular 90s singer Sheqal, who is facing health struggles after recently suffering a stroke, broke down in tears today after receiving a RM5,000 cash donation during a charity event today.
"Once, I used to help others. Now, others are helping me," said Sheqal, whose real name is Shahrin Salehuddin.
The 59-year-old, famous for his Nusantara hit 'Cinta Nusantara', expressed his gratitude for the support.
"I feel emotional. Thank you to the Malay Vehicle Importers and Traders Association of Malaysia (Pekema) and the Malaysian Artistes' Association (Karyawan) for helping artistes, including someone like me, who is now considered 'expired.'
"Thank you also to donors who have done so much to support artistes. It eases some of our burdens.
"I am grateful for the many fellow artistes who have come to support me. Some even travelled from Kuala Lumpur to visit me in Seremban, Negri Sembilan. Many journalists have also come to see me," he said.
The Sumbangsih Pekema Prihatin event, organised by Yayasan Pekema in collaboration with Karyawan, took place at a hotel here.
Besides Sheqal, around 30 other artistes—including actors, singers, directors, and radio presenters—received similar contributions.
Sheqal revealed that he has been unable to work since suffering a stroke last year.
"I also have kidney disease, have had four strokes, and previously, I couldn't speak clearly. Only now can I speak again.
"I've been enduring this for five years. It's only recently, after undergoing treatment in Muar, Johor, facilitated by Karyawan, that I've improved.
"Before, I was bedridden and unable to stand. Now, Alhamdulillah, I'm doing much better," he said.
He shared how his illness affected his business and singing career, prompting him to channel his passion for the arts into writing and painting.
"I used to run a business, so I didn't feel the burden. But since falling ill, I've stopped. I write to keep creating, pouring my artistic expression into books and paintings.
"Usually, I write after performing Tahajud and Dhuha prayers. This is how I momentarily forget my pain," he said.
Meanwhile, Yayasan Pekema chairman Datuk Mohamed Nazari Noordin expressed pride in collaborating with Karyawan to assist around 30 artistes in need.
"This is our social responsibility to ensure that those who have significantly contributed to the arts industry are not forgotten. We hope this aid provides them some relief," he said.
Among the recipients were notable names such as Datuk Sarimah Ahmad, Datuk Jefrydin, Datuk Andre Goh, Zaiton Sameon, Shuib Freedom, Mariam Ahmad, Norlia Ghani, Ali XPDC, Isma Alif, Shima, Sazali P. Ramlee, Shasha Rohaizad, Nas Ahmad, Alfred Ho, Roy, and Zul Mahat.
Others included Sathiya, Yus Barat, M. Jamil, Sofia Ibrahim, Mak Wan, Dr Sam, Mak Jah, Kieran, Ebby Yus, Harun Hashim, Ruslan Salleh, Murali Abdullah, and Zaleha Hamid.