{
  "id": 19273501,
  "title": "#SHOWBIZ: Repairs wipe out earnings: Veteran singer Zaiton Sameon seeks car donation",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/showbiz-repairs-wipe-out-earnings-veteran-singer-zaiton-sameon-seeks",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-11-10T02:52:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/groove/2026/11/1574423/showbiz-repairs-wipe-out-earnings-veteran-singer-zaiton-sameon"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Veteran singer Zaiton Sameon, 70, is seeking a vehicle donation to aid her in traveling to performances and food festivals. The renowned Menaruh Harapan artiste laments the financial strain caused by her aging Perodua Viva's recurring mechanical issues. Recent repairs, including a steering rack and gearbox replacement, have depleted her earnings from gigs, leaving no funds for further repairs. Now, she is compelled to rely on e-hailing services, which can cost up to RM400 for trips to distant locations like Johor Bahru. With gigs only sporadically booked, her income is consistently undermined. Zaiton is also awaiting a promised new single from a Melaka-based artiste. Surviving a devastating car crash in 1990 that killed her 13-year-old son and left her with severe head injuries, she continues to battle her disabilities as a registered OKU (person with disabilities) cardholder.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Veteran songstress Zaiton Sameon is appealing for someone to donate a vehicle so she can travel to performance gigs and food festivals.",
  "key_points": [
    "Veteran singer Zaiton Sameon, 70, seeks car donation for travel and festivals.",
    "Aging Perodua Viva's repairs have depleted earnings from gigs.",
    "She relies on e-hailing services costing up to RM400 for distant gigs."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Unpredictable gig schedules and high transportation costs create a cycle of financial instability that prevents the veteran singer from maintaining the mobility necessary to sustain her performing career.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}