Performers come together to help ailing artistes

Zur Eda performing during the ‘Dari Kawan Untuk Kawan’ fundraising event at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur. — Photos: SHAARI CHEMAT/ The Star

A FUNDRAISING event was organised for two veteran artistes who are facing health problems.

The event in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur, was organised by Persatuan Karyawan Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur City Hall Culture, Arts, Tourism and Sports Department.

Themed “Dari Kawan Untuk Kawan” (From friend for friend), 25 singers were invited to help raise funds for artistes Ibnor Riza and Zaiton Sameon. Both were known for their hit tunes in the 1980s.

Ibnor was diagnosed with cancer, vocal cord palsy, diabetes, high blood pressure, migraine and critical cholesterol levels while Zaiton is disabled after being diagnosed with traumatic brain injury due to an accident about 30 years ago.

Fernandez: There are artistes who are having a difficult time sustaining themselves financially due to their failing health.

The 25 performers collaborated to hold a jam-busking and fundraising session.

Apart from helping Ibnor and Zaiton, the event also aimed to raise awareness of the plight of other artistes who are facing health issues.

Karyawan president Datuk Freddie Fernandez said there were artists who were having a difficult time sustaining themselves financially due to their failing health.

“Through this fundraising event and future programmes, we can assist them by spreading the word to the public that they are in dire need of funds.

“Our association is devoid of funds,” he said and explained that they raise funds by organising campaigns and programmes.

Haiza: Her friendship with the entertainers made her determined to make the fundraising event a success.

Artiste Haiza said that even though she was not from the same era as Ibnor and Zaiton, her strong sense of friendship with the two entertainers made her determined to make the event a success.

“They have inspired us through their music and this is one of the ways that I and others can repay them,” said Haiza.

Radhikal Films Sdn Bhd producer Radhi Khalid hoped the event could raise as much money as possible for the two artistes.

“It is sad to hear what they are going through,” he added.

AA Music Production composer Anwar Alberto also turned up to support Ibnor and Zaiton, despite his busy schedule.

Syed Aziz is among the artistes who performed at the fundraising event in aid of Ibnor Riza and Zaiton Sameon.

“I didn’t get the opportunity to meet Ibnor at Hospital Port Dickson during my visit there.

“So, I wanted to be here and do my part to help fellow artistes,” he said.

The artistes who performed included Zur Eda, Haiza, Syed Aziz, Salimah Mahmood, Datin Salwa Abd Rahman, Rizal Ahmad, Rina Eva, Afee Utopia, Shah Efendy, Isa Gravity and Chef Yang Jamil.

Fernandez also said that some royalties have not been paid to artistes.

“I urge organisations to take swift action as the artistes need the money to sustain themselves,” he added.