Singer M Daud Kilau passes away at 85

The late artiste was synonymous with the title Raja Gelek. Photo: Handout

Singer Datuk M Daud Kilau passed away at 4.46pm on Monday (Dec 18) at Teluk Intan Hospital, Perak. He was 85.

The news of his passing was confirmed by his son, Ahmad Zaini Mohd Daud, 52, to mStar – The Star's Malay-language portal.

Ahmad Zaini said that his father's health had been unstable since being admitted to the hospital on Dec 12.

"My father had diabetes, high blood pressure and heart problems. He was recently admitted to the hospital.

"For the past three days, his condition worsened," he said when contacted by mStar.

Ahmad Zaini added that the doctor was supposed to perform a surgery to amputate both legs but could not do so because of unstable blood pressure.

"Today (Monday) was supposed to be the amputation of both legs due to diabetes. But when the anesthesiologist examined him, it could not be done because of the unstable blood pressure.

"This is the third time surgery had to be postponed due to the same issue," he said.

The singer's remains will be buried at the Sungai Balai Baroh Muslim Cemetery in Bagan Datuk, Perak, after Zohor prayer on Tuesday (Dec 19).

Muhammad Daud Kilau was born on July 10, 1938, and became active in the entertainment industry in 1968 after winning the Bintang Radio competition in Singapore.

Over the years, he became synonymous with the title "Raja Gelek" and gained popularity through songs such as Gila Judi, Biar Papa Asal Bergaya, and Cek Mek Molek.

The last single he recorded was with singer Ezlynn for the song Pening in 2003.

Daud underwent angioplasty surgery at the National Heart Institute (IJN) three years ago.