After a month in hospital, veteran Singapore actor, singer and presenter M. Ramlee died on Wednesday morning at the National University Hospital, according to reports by Berita Harian and Berita Mediacorp. He was 71.

He was buried at Masjid Pusara Aman in Choa Chu Kang on the same day.

Ramlee, whose real name was Ramlee Md Isa, was popular in the 1970s. He was hospitalised more than a month ago on Feb 12 after getting a high fever. He was then placed in an induced coma by doctors as he underwent treatment.

Earlier reports by Berita Mediacorp said he was believed to have heart problems, but had recovered. His family also stated that he had no chronic illnesses.

Born in 1946, Ramlee's hit songs included Hari Lebaran (Hari Raya) as well as Ingin Tahu (I Want To Know) with veteran singer Sanisah Huri.

He also had a supporting role in the Suria drama series, Abang Teksi (Taxi Brother), which aired last year. It also starred Suhaimi Yusof and Fakkah Fuzz.

Actor Fir Rahman, who appeared in award-winning psychological drama Apprentice (2016), expressed his condolences on Instagram. He shared that he and Ramlee had acted together in an episode of Suria drama series Kisah Tok Kadi (Tok Kadi Stories), that aired on the day he died.

In a note shared on Facebook, Minister for Communications and Information Yaacob Ibrahim wrote: "I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the late M. Ramlee. He was a fine actor, comedian, singer and a stalwart in the Malay arts and entertainment community.

"My thoughts and prayers are with his family in these difficult times."

•Additional reporting by Eddino Abdul Hadi.