Veteran singer Mohd Jais Ahmad or popularly known as Ahmad Jais, died at the Darul Ehsan Medical Centre at about 9.20am today, believed to be due to lung complications. He was 75.

NONE Ahmad Jais, who was popular with such songs as ‘ Selamat Hari Raya ’ and ‘ Budi Setahun Segunung Intan ’ - a duet with Kartina Dahari - had been admitted to the hospital two weeks ago after complaining of breathing difficulties.

He is survived by five children. His wife, Mas Halilah Mas Nayeem, died on June 22, 2009.

The singer, who had been active since the 60s, complained of lethargy after coming back from a show in Batu Pahat, Johor, on Sept 8. His conditions worsened on Sept 20 and had been put on a respirator at KPJ Specialist Hospital in Selangor.

His last performance was at the national Aidilfitri open house in Permatang Pauh, Penang, on Sept 11, attended by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Ahmad Jais was buried at Section 21 Muslim Cemetery in Shah Alam at about 2pm after a funeral prayer for him was conducted at the state mosque after Zuhur prayers.

Among the artistes who paid their last respects to the singer were A Rahman Hassan, Uji Rashid, her son, Chico, Baharuddin Omar, Aziz Satar, Sharifah Aini, DJ Dave, Nash, Herman Tino, Jamal Abdillah, Abon, Hamid Gurkha and Hail Amir.

Ahmad Jais’ eldest child, Mohamad Iskandar, 45, said he flew back to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore yesterday as he had a hunch over his father’s condition.

“I last met him the previous Sunday and he seemed to be getting better then,” said Mohamad Iskandar, who is self-employed.

Aziz Satar said he knew that Ahmad Jais was asthmatic since their heyday in Singapore and visited him last night.

Nash, who cherished the Ahmad Jais’ advice, said the crooner’s rendition of ‘ Selamat Hari Raya ’ and several other songs was unparalleled.

- Bernama