His son, Salmany Akir, 42, said Ahmad suffered from a lung infection and had been admitted to HKL’s intensive care unit since June 16.

He said his father’s remains will be brought to Al-Mardhiyah Mosque at Taman Melawati this morning and will be buried at the Muslim cemetery at Kampung Klang Gate in Taman Melawati after Friday prayers.

Salmany said Ahmad was a loving man and often made sure his family got together during various festivals or other celebrations even though they were living apart.

“I stayed closest to my father, so if he was free, we would go for a drink together. He was a loving father,” he told Bernama.

He said Ahmad always looked after the welfare of his friends in the creative industry.

This was especially so during the Covid-19 pandemic, when his father prevailed against the odds to ensure that artistes continued to be allowed to work.