IPOH – The government is studying how to improve the welfare of veteran arts practitioners with the appropriate assistance, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa.
He said his ministry is gathering data and information via several series of tours to find out what they need.
“I am taking the opportunity to meet and check out their situations. Recently, we met actor Mat Sentul; today, Sarjan Saji (Ahmad Jamil Shuib); and tomorrow artiste Ahmad Nawab. We need to know the fate of our actors, artistes, arts practitioners, and entertainers as some of them are old.
“They should not be forgotten as they were stars at one time. We will look at their needs and help case by case, and we have to find the right ways to channel assistance systematically,” he said after visiting Jamil, who had a stroke, at Rumah Pangsa Jalan Hospital in Ipoh this evening.
Annuar said it has been recommended that arts practitioners’ welfare be properly organised in terms of insurance protection with the aid of the Social Security Organisation, according to their professions, for a comprehensive solution.
On his visit, Annuar had suggested to Jamil, 68, to move to his village house and build a permanent home rather than continuing to rent the flat.
Jamil’s wife, Noor Davini Zainal Abidin, 44, said they will look into the proposal for assistance and other suggestions after taking into consideration their children’s schooling if they are to relocate.
She said her husband suffered a stroke two months ago on both sides of his body, making it difficult for the veteran actor to speak, and is currently being rehabilitated. – Bernama, April 20, 2022
