Former RTM Radio announcer Alan Zachariah dies

Former RTM radio announcer Alan Zachariah died of heart failure at the University Malaya Medical Centre here today. He was 71.

His only child, Adam, 34, said Zachariah was admitted to the hospital after complaining of chest pains last night. He died at 1.30 pm.

"He was a caring father who enjoyed travelling with the family, and he was also a good guitarist.

"We deeply miss him as we often carried out activities together," said Adam.

The wake will be held at the St Ignatius Church here on Thursday.

Reputed to be one of the golden voices on RTM's English radio station, Zachariah had helped popularise jazz music on the airwaves.

Born in Kuala Lumpur, he joined RTM in 1966 and retired in 2000. Zachariah is also survived by widow, Evelyn, 64.