#SHOWBIZ: Pak Engku, father of slain 90s pop star Along Spoon, dies at 76

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — The father of the late 1990s pop singer Along Spoon, Shafiee Mohd Yusof, widely known as Pak Engku, died yesterday afternoon at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz in Cheras, Malaysia, at the age of 76. His nephew, Romy Hirman, 52, confirmed the news, revealing Pak Engku had been grappling with various health issues such as diabetes, kidney problems, and heart disease.

Pak Engku, who lived in the Sri Alam Public Housing Project in Sungai Besi, had been admitted to the hospital multiple times before his final departure at 2:20 PM. His body was transported to the PPR Seri Alam surau for funeral rites, where relatives and friends could pay their respects. Originally, the family had intended to bury him the night before, but logistical issues delayed the process.

It is believed that his remains were interred at the Bukit Kiara Islamic Cemetery this morning. Romy recalled the strong bond they shared, as Pak Engku frequently collaborated with Along during the height of the band Spoon's success. As a songwriter, Romy composed popular tracks like "Sepenuh Hati," "Ringgit Berjuta," and "Tenangkan Jiwa" for the group's three albums.

Pak Engku is survived by five children—three sons, including Along (whose real name was Sabi ul Malik Shafie), and two daughters. His death occurred two years after he granted forgiveness to Mohamed Ya cob Demyati, who was convicted of his son's murder. In June 2024, Pak Engku stated that he accepted his son's tragic death as God's will, even though the initial pain was immense.

Along, who rose to fame at the age of 19 with his hit single "Rindu Serindu Rindunya," was reported missing on December 25, 1999. His remains were found tied inside a sack on a hillside in Jelebu, Negri Sembilan, on January 6, 2000. Mohamed Ya cob was released from Kajang Prison on November 16, 2023, after serving a 33-year commuted sentence.