Malaysian cartoonist Azmi Hussin passes away at age 40

Azmi Hussin, the celebrated Malaysian cartoonist whose work captured the heart and humour of Penang life, passed away in George Town on March 5. He was 40. Photo: Clarity Publishing

Celebrated Penang cartoonist Mohd Azmi Mohd Hussin, or better known as Azmi Hussin (ME), died of a heart attack this evening (March 5) in George Town. He was 40.

The artist of the Tanjong Life! comic series and holder of numerous Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) was on his way back from a Ramadan bazaar in Paya Terubong with his family when he began experiencing chest pains.

His wife drove him to a clinic nearby their home in Farlim where he collapsed.

Azmi’s brother-in-law Abdul Aleem Shammoon Rali, 37, said emergency aid was given at the clinic while an ambulance was called.

“The doctor at the clinic administered CPR that was continued in the ambulance on the way to Penang Hospital.

"But unfortunately, on the way there, he took his last breath,” Abdul Aleem said when contacted.

Released in 2016, Azmi's 'The Little Mamak' became a breakthrough for the Penang-born cartoonist, propelling him into the spotlight. Photo: Handout

Azmi, who was well-loved in the local art scene due to his positive nature and candid personality, overcame poverty and hardship after turning to art full-time in 2013.

Speaking in TED Talk in 2019, the self-taught artist recalled sitting at the Penang Esplanade with only RM2.50 in his pocket.

Noticing busloads of tourists getting down to see Fort Cornwallis, a state landmark, he was struck with the idea of drawing portraits and never looked back since that day.

He holds MBR titles for "The Most Number of Live Caricatures in 24 Hours" (2017), "The Longest Coffee Painting in Malaysia" (2019) and "The Longest Single Comic Strip" produced in the country (2021).

Working in public spaces and pop-up exhibitions in Penang, Azmi honed his caricature skills and keen eye for people's gestures, humour, and quirks. Photo: The Star/Filepic

The Butterworth-born artist released five cartoon books, including The Little Mamak which was chosen as one of the ‘50 Best Malaysian Titles’ by the National Book Council of Malaysia in 2016.

The book, which explores the roots of the Indian-Muslim community through the eyes of a young boy Joe G, was also listed for the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany that same year.

Azmi was also awarded the Pekomik Kembara Award in 2018 and the Tokoh Kartunis Pulau Pinang award in 2021.

Last August, Azmi fulfilled a lifelong dream with Cari, his first solo exhibition at Hin Bus Depot, George Town, showcasing his artistic evolution with introspection and playfulness.

He is survived by his wife and two sons, aged 17 and 15, and an 11-year-old daughter.