Owner of iconic Shah’s Motel passes away

TAN Sri H.M. Shah, owner of the iconic Shah’s Village Hotel in Petaling Jaya, has passed away peacefully in Guangzhou, China. He was 93.

The prominent entrepreneur, whose full name is Habib Mohammed Shah, was always associated with the development of Petaling Jaya.

The hotel, which was formerly Shah’s Motel, opened its doors way back in 1967.

Shah was once quoted as saying when he bought the land in Petaling Jaya, it was still a village surrounded by jungle.

His influence in the film and media industries was also immense. He played an important role in the operations of Utusan Melayu since 1948, and was the former managing director before he left the company to run his own business.

According to his daughter, Dr Farida Shah, he was a man with many firsts, among them the first Malay to be involved in film-making, the first to build a petrol station in Petaling Jaya, the first to start a drive-in cinema in the country and the first motel in Petaling Jaya.

He was also a close friend to legendary actor Tan Sri P. Ramlee.

“He was a self-made man, and he did that long before the New Economic Policy came into place,” said Dr Farida.

“His values have influenced many. He believed in working hard with integrity, honesty and commitment.

“At the same time, he was a charitable person who was always generous with helping the people,” she said.

She also added that her late father was an active promoter of education, science and technology.

“Setting up an education fund and making a pledge for the Young Women in Science Award were some of his contributions for the purpose.’’

His other businesses include Shah Tower in Petaling Jaya, as well as Shah’s Village and Resort in Tanjung Keling, in Malacca.

He is survived by his wife, eight children, 17 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Friends and relatives can pay their last respects tonight from 8pm at No 2, Jalan 13/5, Kelab Golf Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, Shah Alam. The burial rites will be held at Tanah Perkuburan, Ampang tomorrow at 10am.