Malaysian singer Rahim Maarof, 68, in ICU after stroke-related surgery

mStar – The Star's Malay-language portal – reported that Rahim, 68, was admitted to the hospital for surgery due to stroke. ≠ Photo: Filepic

Popular 1980s singer Rahim Maarof (pic) is still warded in the ICU after his surgery on Friday (March 31). mStar – The Star's Malay-language portal – reported that Rahim, 68, was admitted to the hospital for surgery due to stroke last week.

This was confirmed by his niece Nik Nazira Narriman.

"I do not have the exact details but my mother was the one who informed me that he (Rahim) is still unconscious (after the surgery) and is placed in the ICU since Friday," Nazira said.

"He has been suffering from high blood pressure for a long time and was admitted to the hospital last week for surgery due to stroke," she told mStar.

Nazira, who is the wife of local rapper Yonnyboii, said she has not seen Rahim for a long time.

"Uncle Rahim and my mum are cousins. They grew up together. We have not seen each other for a long time but from what I know, he was healthy prior to this.

"So, naturally, I was shocked to hear that he is now at the ICU. We were planning to meet him during Ramadan actually, so I am sad to learn about this," she added.

Rahim was a popular fixture in the Malaysia music scene in the 1980s and 1990s with hits such as Cinta Kristal, Usang and Shakila.