PETALING JAYA: As Hari Raya Aidilfitri approaches, the spirit of generosity is alive in the entertainment community.
Through Yayasan Kebajikan Artis Tanah Air (YKAT), veteran artistes who once lit up the stage are receiving vital support to face life’s challenges, from health setbacks to financial struggles.
Foundation chairman Datuk Irwan Shah Abdullah, better known as DJ Dave, said a one-off financial aid was distributed to 17 artistes aged 60 and above, to help them better prepare for the festivities.
“We try our best to help, even if it is little. The important thing is that we want to let them know they are not forgotten.
“While the amount has been reduced from RM2,000 to RM1,000 due to tighter funds, the gesture remains meaningful.”
He said the same support was extended to needy artistes during other celebrations such as Chinese New Year and Deepavali.
Sharing his recent visit to veteran actor-comedian Sathiya Periasamy, 62, who underwent a leg amputation, DJ Dave said the foundation worked with the Social Security Organisation to provide a prosthetic leg.
“Sathiya remains in high spirits. He told me not to worry as he still has another leg. That is the kind of spirit that inspires all of us.”
He also revealed that another comedian Helmi Harun, better known as Helmi Gimmick, has shown resilience in his battle with cancer and is now on the road to recovery.
Founded in 2012, YKAT was established after DJ Dave and fellow like-minded artistes noticed the plight of many performers, often without steady income or financial security.
“Some fell ill, some had no savings,” he said, recalling how he organised a three-day fundraising concert to kickstart the initiative.
Since then, the foundation has helped some 2,000 artistes, providing everything from medical aid to a modest pension scheme, which currently gives RM500 monthly to several elderly performers with little or no income.
