KUALA LUMPUR: The death of filmmaker Mamat Khalid has been widely mourned by the entertainment industry.
Actors, actresses, filmmakers and musicians took to social media to convey their heartfelt condolences to his family and pay tribute to a man whom they described as a "visionary and rare gem" of Malaysian cinema.
Actress Sharifah Amani described Mamat's death as a huge loss for art and film.
"Thank you Abang Mamat for the years of love and dedication towards your craft, country and people. So many great stories, characters and films. You will be truly missed."
Actress and producer Fauziah Ahmad Daud said: "May Mamat be placed amongst the righteous. We will all miss him."
Actor and director Datuk Afdlin Shauki said: "Malaysia has lost an irreplaceable visionary and rare gem of cinema. We will be a lot lonelier now without his genius, humour and heart."
Actor Zul Ariffin who starred in Mamat's best-selling film Hantu Kak Limah said: "Thank you Abang Mat. It was an honour knowing and working with you."
Suatu Ketika director Prakash Murugiah said: "RIP chief. Thank you for guiding and inspiring us."
Actress and director Corrine Adrienne said: "He was one of Malaysia's best and original film auteurs. Thank you for your originality and inspiration."
Veteran singer-actor Ahmad Fauzee said: "Mamat and I go back a long way, I starred in a telemovie which he scripted called Persinggahan back in 1996, and loved it.
"The last time we talked was February, when he invited me to star in a new comedy. Sadly, this was not to be."
Persatuan Karyawan Malaysia (Karyawan) president Datuk Freddie Fernandez said: "Mamat contributed a lot to the Malaysian film industry and left his mark as a man of great talent and creativity."
Mamat died at 12.30am today while on the way to the Slim River Hospital from his restaurant Sarang Art Hub in Tanjung Malim. He was 58.
Best known for his films such as Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang, Rock, Hantu Kak Limah and Zombi Kampung Pisang, Mamat is believed to have suffered a heart attack.
He leaves behind his wife, Hasmah Hassan and five children.
In January 2019, Mamat spent two months at the Assunta Hospital, Petaling Jaya, following breathing difficulties and chest pains, and was put in an induced coma to allow his organs to rest.
Later in October the same year, he spent 21 days at the Intensive Care Unit of KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital along Jalan Raja Di Hilir, Ipoh, after complaining of breathing difficulties at home.
