Malaysia's veteran singer Sharifah Aini died of lung infection

Veteran singer Datuk Sharifah Aini Syed Jaafar died of lung infection early Saturday morning. -- PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Veteran singer Datuk Sharifah Aini Syed Jaafar died of lung infection early Saturday morning. -- PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

PETALING JAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Veteran singer Datuk Sharifah Aini Syed Jaafar died of lung infection early Saturday morning.

Sharifah Aini, fondly known as Kak Pah, was admitted to hospital for lung infection on Monday.

A press statement issued earlier this week said that Sharifah Aini, who turned 61 on Wednesday, was diagnosed with lung fibrosis, also known as interstitial lung disease, two years ago.

Consulting respiratory physician Datuk Dr Zainudin Md Zain, who was treating the songstress, has said that the condition is rare and causes hardening or scarring of the lungs.

The statement added that Sharifah Aini was taken to the hospital by her son Aliff Omar Ali after she developed breathing difficulties.

Sharifah Aini first broke into the entertainment industry in 1969, following her victory in a talent show, Juara Bintang RTS (Radio Television Singapore), with the song Tiga Malam the year before.

She was noted for a string of hits over the years, including Hapuslah Airmatamu, Seri Dewi Malam, and Dekatlah Padaku.

Bernama news agency reported that Sharifah Aini was accorded the Biduanita Negara title, the country's highest award for female artistes for her contributions to the music industry, people and country. Past title holders included the late Puan Sri Saloma, wife of the legendary Tan Sri P. Ramlee.

Sharifah Aini received the Panglima Jasa Negara award, which carries the title "Datuk", from the federal government in June 2003.

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