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Good news, bad news as Zainal Abidin tests positive for Covid-19 on his birthday

Zainal’s wife Datin Angelina Asmawi has also tested positive for Covid-19, delaying their plans for a celebration

Updated 3 years ago · Published on 04 Nov 2022 2:30PM

Good news, bad news as Zainal Abidin tests positive for Covid-19 on his birthday
Despite the illness, music legend Datuk Zainal Abidin has a full slate of concerts planned for 2023. – The Vibes file pic, November 4, 2022

by Haikal Fernandez

IT’S been revealed that Malaysian music icon Datuk Zainal Abidin has contracted Covid-19, just in time for his 63rd birthday today. 

“Today is Zainal’s birthday and his 1st day of positive covid, the most memorable birthday of his life, get well soon my dear and happy covid birthday to u, love u,” said a posting on his Instagram page. 

Speaking to The Vibes, Zainal’s wife, Datin Angelina Asmawi said that she first got sick three days ago, with body aches, fever and a sore throat. Despite testing negative for the first two days, she finally tested positive yesterday morning.

For his part, Zainal had a sore throat yesterday night with light body pain, but tested negative. This morning after feeling an even worse sore throat, he tested positive for Covid-19.

This is the first time either member of the couple have tested positive for the virus. 

“He has no fever and very light body pain, way better than me actually,” Angelina said. “Today is my second day and I am feeling much better, only sore throat and phlegm but very light.”

Datuk Zainal Abidin and Datin Angelina Asmawi in happier times. – Instagram pics
Datuk Zainal Abidin and Datin Angelina Asmawi in happier times. – Instagram pics

Last night, the mosque Zainal regularly attends held prayers for him. Because the couple were positive with Covid-19, the mosque-goers sent food over in an act of generosity. 

The couple had planned on holding a barbeque party, inviting close friends like the Headwind Boys, Sham Kamikaze, and their families. 

Those plans are delayed until next weekend at least, with Zainal and Angelina planning to catch up on their Netflix binges as they recover.

They are also in the middle of planning their 20th wedding anniversary in February of next year, with an extensive European vacation with stops in Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan and London.

Outside of that, Zainal is preparing for a busy 2023, with plenty of concerts lined up. – The Vibes, November 4, 2022

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