{
  "id": 8909913,
  "title": "#SHOWBIZ: Battling illness and poverty, ex-Metalasia vocalist Muix seeks urgent help",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/showbiz-battling-illness-and-poverty-ex-metalasia-vocalist-muix-seeks",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-21T11:00:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/groove/2026/09/1537750/showbiz-battling-illness-and-poverty-ex-metalasia-vocalist-muix"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: Muix, the former lead vocalist of Metalasia, has shared that he has reached rock bottom after battling severe health issues and marital problems. At 60, the artiste has been diagnosed with a swollen heart, high blood pressure, and various other health complications. His marriage of 16 years has also ended, leaving him to live alone in a modest rented room in Alor Setar, Kedah.\n\nThe monthly RM350 allowance he receives from the Social Welfare Department (JKM) is barely enough to cover his rent. Muix struggled to perform due to his heart condition, experiencing shortness of breath and fatigue, prompting his doctor to advise him to retire from singing. To support his two children, aged 15 and 18, Muix posted his bank account QR code on Facebook, hoping to receive financial assistance. The JKM allowance was insufficient, as he had previously received zakat aid for a year, which has since ceased.\n\nMuix regrets asking for help but emphasizes that his priority is providing for his children's education. He acknowledges that people might judge him for turning to social media but insists that they are unaware of his situation. Muix hopes to return to work once his health improves, hoping to find employment at a senior citizens association. Despite his current struggles, he remains grateful for the kindness of strangers who have assisted him, including a friend who provided him with a motorbike for his youngest child's school commute. Muix has decided to distance himself from his former Metalasia bandmates, no longer wanting to appear as if he is begging or seeking sympathy.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Former Metalasia lead singer Zulrushdi Ismail, better known as Muix, has revealed that he has hit rock bottom.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "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."
}