S.M Salim dies

KUALA LUMPUR: Singing legend Tan Sri S.M. Salim passed away at age 88 at his home in Ukay Perdana, Kuala Lumpur.

"Tan Sri SM Salim passed away at his home in Kuala Lumpur at 5.44pm," tweeted Bernama on Thursday, citing the singer's family.

On Wednesday, SM Salim's eldest child Siti Noraishah, 60, said her father was in critical condition since 3am and was placed on a respiratory machine.

She said that after being placed on a ventilator, her father could breathe, but since 8am on Wednesday he was still in critical condition.

Siti Noraishah said all family members have been informed of her father's poor condition and had been informed to return home on Wednesday.

She said the doctor treating her father had said that nothing more could be done as her father was too weak.

S.M Salim or his real name, Sheikh Salim Sheikh Muhammad Al Mahros began his career as a singer of traditional Malay songs in 1957.

According to Bernama, he became paralysed due to a nerve disorder and had been wheel-chair bound for the past 17 years.