“Thank you, FMT, for continuously extending a helping hand to Karyawan and local artistes,” said Ito, 73, who just completed an album for his band’s 50th anniversary.
He said the cooperation between the media and the Malaysian Artistes’ Association (Karyawan) in seeking funds to support struggling artistes must not end here.
“This is a commendable effort by Karyawan, together with the domestic trade and cost of living ministry and FMT. Artistes really need the backing of associations like Karyawan because in this industry, anything can happen (to them),” he said.
“We need to come together and unite. What is being done today is a very positive effort,” said Ito, who is preparing for the band’s performance at the annual Blues Festival in Langkawi.
On Thursday, FMT hosted a Ramadan gathering where 50 artistes who are struggling financially received RM1,000 each to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
The RM50,000 aid to Karyawan was made possible through an initiative between FMT and an anonymous donor.
The donations were presented by the minister of domestic trade and cost of living, Armizan Mohd Ali, whose ministry is responsible for copyright and music royalty.
Legendary singer Uji Rashid, 71, welcomed the initiative and suggested that such events be held more frequently and not just once a year.
“Such programmes should not only be held during Ramadan. Not everyone who is facing hard times is here now. If only some are selected (to attend), the rest may feel left out,” said Uji.
Her suggestion was supported by veteran singer and actress Sophia Ibrahim, sister of popular singer Khadijah Ibrahim. Sophia said that such events provide a platform for veteran artistes to gather and strengthen their bonds.
“Many veteran artistes are sick or elderly, and some have passed away,” said Sophia, who still receives acting offers and singing invitations at the age of 76.
In contrast, actress Mak Jah, whose real name is Maimunah Ahmad, has not appeared on television screens for two years.
According to Mak Jah, she still receives acting offers until now, but her health condition does not permit her to accept them. She said: “I stay at home to pay off debts. Not to people, God-willing, I don’t owe people, I owe Allah. So I’m paying off my debts to Allah.”
Mak Jah, holding back tears, said she depends on monthly aid of RM500 and the help of caring artiste friends.