Hakim, popularly known as Bob Lokman, died at his hometown in Kubang Kerian here, his son Omar Hakim told Bernama.

Bob Lokman, who had undergone heart surgery two years ago, had decided to return to Kubang Kerian to care for his ill father, Lokman Ahmad, who is in his 80s.

“Father’s health started to decline a week ago, but he refused to get hospital treatment despite being persuaded several times,” Omar said.

Bob Lokman started to experience breathing difficulties last night, and Omar and his mother stayed up with him through the night.

“As I was tired, I fell asleep and my mother woke me up to tell me that he had passed away,” he said.

Omar, 28, said he would continue with the food business that he and his father had built together. He said Bob Lokman, who was also a good cook, wanted the family to continue with their food business as his mother, Relawati Daud, 42, is also a good cook.

Bob Lokman is survived by his wife and seven children.

The song Isabella was one of the biggest hits of the rock group Search when it was released on the album Fenomena in 1989.