Malaysia’s foremost queen of songs Sharifah Aini Syed Jaafar has been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur for a lung infection.   

In a statement yesterday, Sharifah Aini, who turns 61 today, is said to have been diagnosed with lung fibrosis, also known as interstitial lung disease, two years ago.   

According to consultant respiratory physician Dr Zainuddin Md Zain who has been treating her, the condition was rare and caused hardening or scarring of the lungs.   

“The singer was taken to the hospital by her son Aliff Omar Ali on Monday morning when she developed breathing difficulties,” according to the statement.

Famous for the song Seri Dewi Malam , Sharifah Aini is reported to be in stable condition by Dr Zainuddin but has been advised not to receive visitors except family members.

Sharifah Aini began her singing career after winning the Juara Bintang RTS (Radio Television Singapore) competition with the song, Tiga Malam , in 1968.

She was accorded the ‘Biduanita Negara’ title, the country’s highest award for female artistes for her contribution to the music industry, people and country. Past title holders included Saloma.   

Sharifah Aini received the Panglima Jasa Negara (PJN) award, which carries the title ‘Datuk’, from the federal government in June 2003.

- Bernama