Memories of playing football with the late Datuk Sudirman Arshad remain among the most cherished recollections for residents of Kampung Batu Satu in Temerloh.
Trader Mumin Yaakob, 66, recalled sharing the field several times with the singer of Salam Terakhir during their younger days, describing him as kind-hearted and humble.
"Today marks 34 years since his passing, and he is still remembered by villagers as the legend who popularised this district. Although there was quite an age gap between us, he treated me well. I often went to his house to play,” he said.
Mumin said that even after entering the entertainment industry, the Pahang-born artiste, whose birthday falls on May 25, 1954, remained the same at heart.
Despite being crowned "Asia’s Number One Entertainer”, he continued to treat everyone with the same warmth and humility.
"After he became famous, he spent much of his time in Kuala Lumpur and rarely returned home. But whenever we met, he was the same and greeted us as usual,” he added.
For Mira Edora Ahmad Naser, 35, a native of Kampung Tok Embun, Sudirman’s birth in Temerloh remains a great source of pride.
"As villagers, we are proud that he raised Temerloh’s name. Outsiders still come and ask where his house is. Some make a special stop just to see the village where he grew up,” she said, adding that she lives near the late singer’s home.
She believes the continued visits show that Sudirman still holds a special place in the hearts of fans.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Amirul Hafiz Rahman, 33, suggested that special initiatives be introduced in the singer’s birthplace to honour his contributions to the local entertainment industry, including preserving his now unattended house as a reference point for younger generations.
Sudirman died at the age of 37 on Feb 22, 1992, after a seven-month battle with pneumonia. He was laid to rest at Chengal Muslim Cemetery, Batu Satu.
Throughout his career, he recorded 15 studio albums and 52 compilation albums, and won numerous local and international awards.
In 1989, he became the first Malaysian artiste to perform at Royal Albert Hall, joining the ranks of renowned international performers who had staged concerts there.
Among his songs that remain popular today are Merisik Khabar, Nilai Cintamu, Milik Siapakah Gadis Ini, Terasing, Anak Gembala, Pelangi Petang, Salam Terakhir, the patriotic Tanggal 31 Ogos, as well as festive favourites Balik Kampung and Dari Jauh Ku Pohon Maaf. – Bernama
