News from Southeast Asia
The Malaysian entertainment industry is mourning the death of veteran actor Kamarool Yusoff, affectionately known as Cik Man, who died of a heart attack on Wednesday, 5th August 2026. He was 68.
News of his death was shared on Facebook by comedian Amir Raja Lawak, whose real name is Mohammad Amirullah Azmi. He wrote: “Yusoff, better known as Farok and Cik Man, has left us. May Allah grant Abang Kamarool a place among the faithful and the righteous in Jannah. Al-Fatihah.”
Lawak also extended his condolences to Cik Man’s family.
According to reports, the actor died at around 5:15 pm while receiving treatment at Hospital Tanah Merah in Kelantan. Hours earlier, Lawak had revealed that Cik Man had been rushed to hospital in critical condition with a heart blockage. He underwent treatment and was placed in an induced coma.
His son, Fakhrol, told Malaysian media that his father had been admitted after complaining of stomach pain. “His condition worsened yesterday when he complained of stomach pain and back pain,” Fakhrol said. “We urged him to go to the hospital, but he initially refused. However, because the pain became unbearable, we brought him to the hospital for treatment yesterday.”
Fakhrol added that his father had suffered a heart attack two years earlier, but that “after that, his condition was fine.”
A beloved figure in the Malaysian entertainment industry, Cik Man rose to prominence with his role in the 1986 film Gila Gila Remaja, in which he played the villainous leader of the Gagak Hitam gang. He went on to appear in several other films and regularly collaborated with the late Mamat Khalid, including on Hantu Kak Limah Balik Rumah, Rock, and Rock Oo!. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he appeared in numerous films and television dramas, leaving a lasting mark on Malaysian cinema. His final film, Sahul Bhai, is due for a posthumous release.
SENIMAN, the Malaysian Artistes’ Association, said his work and legacy would live on, describing him as one of the country’s finest character actors, known for his natural performances and distinctive Kelantan dialect.
Fellow actors, public figures, and fans reacted to the news by extending condolences to Cik Man’s family and paying tribute to his many memorable roles. Among those who shared tributes on social media were comedians Saiful Apek, Yassin Yahya, Zizan Razak, and Shuib Sepahtu, members of the comedy troupe Senario, as well as singer and actress Ara Johari.
Fahmi Fadzil, Malaysia’s Minister of Communications, wrote on social media: “He was a true legend who made a huge impact on Malaysia’s film industry. The late actor was a highly respected figure, not only within the acting industry but also among lovers of the arts across the country. Thank you for bringing colour to the world of entertainment and creating many happy memories for generations of audiences. Your legacy, contributions and work will continue to live on in our hearts.”
Cik Man was also remembered for his kindness and generosity, particularly towards his fellow artists.
According to the actor’s daughter, Nurul Najihah Kamarozaman, Cik Man was to be laid to rest in Kelantan on Thursday. He was buried later that day following funeral prayers attended by family, friends, and fellow artists. His wife, Norliza Mohd Aduni, described him as a loving and generous husband.