Singer Siti Sarah laid to rest

KUALA LUMPUR: The remains of singer Siti Sarah Raissuddin were laid to rest at 1.45pm, at the Kampung Sungai Pusu Muslim Cemetery, Gombak here, today.

Earlier the final rites including dry purification (tayammum) and shrouding of the body conducted by hospital staff was assisted by her husband Shahmira Muhammad, better- known as Shuib Sepahtu.

The funeral prayer was performed at the Tuanku Muhriz Chancellor's Hospital (HCTM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Cheras, at about 11am.

The 37-year-old singer died at the hospital at 5.13am this morning and news of her death was shared by her husband on Instagram.

The atmosphere at the entrance of the burial grounds was quiet and sombre as the hearse carrying the remains of Siti Sarah arrived at about 12.30pm.

Present to pay their last respects some distance away were family members, acquaintances and fans who had waited there since early morning.

Siti Sarah along with her husband and children had tested positive for COVID-19 since July 25 after undergoing screening when their maid was confirmed positive.

She was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday evening after having severe cough and experiencing low oxygen levels due to COVID-19 infection.

SitI Sarah whose hit songs include Kesetiaan and Ke Hujung Dunia, underwent surgery last Friday to deliver her fourth child, Ayash Affan, after her health deteriorated.

The celebrity couple who married in 2011 has three other children Uwais Alqarni, 10; Dzahira Talita Zahra, 8; and Ariq Martin, 6.

Siti Sarah became popular after participating in Bintang RTM 2001 programme and went on to win Best New Artiste, Best Pop Album and Best Album at the Music Industry Award (AIM) 2003.

-- BERNAMA