Malaysian actor Zhang Yaodong is paying tribute to his late father, who died at the age of 81 on March 30.
Teoh Cheng Chua’s death was announced on social media on March 31 by Zhang, who posted the obituary and an old photo of himself as a young boy with his father.
“This photo captures a heartwarming moment between us,” the former Mediacorp artiste wrote in Chinese.
But Zhang, who is based in Singapore, also expressed his regret at not having spent more time with his dad.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’ve been abroad all this time and haven’t been by your side often,” he wrote. “Thank you for always watching over us in your own special way. Dad, you’ve worked so hard this whole life. Please rest well.”
Zhang, 48, told local Chinese-language daily Lianhe Zaobao on March 31 that his father collapsed at home on the morning of March 30.
“I had just phoned home to speak to my mother, so I immediately arranged for an ambulance. But sadly, it was too late,” he said.
Zhang added that his father had been frail following chemotherapy for bladder cancer in 2025.
Zhang said his father had appeared tired while having dinner on the evening of March 29, and collapsed suddenly after breakfast on the morning of March 30.
“My mother was by his side and holding his hand at the time,” he said. “My father had already passed away by the time I rushed home.”
He said Teoh was a loyal and devoted man who cared deeply for his family and friends.
“He wasn’t one for words, spending most of his time quietly working hard,” he said. “He used to be famous for selling Penang-style char kway teow near Tung Shin Hospital (in Kuala Lumpur). He switched to running a roast meat business later.”
Zhang recalled an occasion when his father’s leg was scalded after a large pot of hot soup fell on him.
“His leg was lacerated and he was unable to move,” Zhang said. “Yet, just an hour after seeing the doctor, he was back at work without a single complaint. He never rested for a moment.” – The Straits Times/Asia News Network
