Dondang sayang art laureate Nyonya Tan Abdullah died early today after struggling with illness.

According to a statement issued by the National Heritage Department, she died at 1am at Pantai Hospital, Ayer Keroh, Malacca at the age of 62.

A descendant of the peranakan baba nyonya lineage, Nyonya Tan had been active in dondang sayang for more than 40 years and had recorded three albums.

She also had performed in Paris under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) in conjunction with the announcement of the World Heritage City of Malacca.

Her struggle for art and culture won her many honours and she was named as a National Heritage Living Icon on May 10, said the statement.

Among the awards that she had received were the winner of Pesta Dendang Rakyat 1976, Pingat Bakti Masyarakat (PBM), Bintang Khidmat Terpuji (BKT), Pingat Jasa Kebaktian (PJK), Malacca Cultural Icon and Artiste of All Time Award in Dondang Sayang in 2006 by the Singers, Musicians and Composers Association of Malaysia (Papita).

Expressing condolences on the demise of Nyonya Tan, the National Heritage Department described her death as as a big loss as she was dedicated to retain the dondang sayang national heritage and she also was favoured by the community.

“Her deep love in Dondang Sayang had encouraged her to imbue her talent and be an inspiration to today’s younger generation,” said the statement.

Her remains were laid to rest at the Bakar Batu Muslim Cemetery in Bachang, Malacca at 11am today.

Malacca Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam was among those who paid their last respects and extended condolences to her family members.

- Bernama