Approximately 1,000 people turned today up to bid farewell to legendary actor Jins Shamsuddin at his funeral.

According to Bernama, family members, fellow artistes and friends converged at the cemetery to pay their last respects to the Malay film hero.

The late movie veteran was buried at 10.30am at the Masjid Al Ridhuan cemetery, Hulu Kelang, after preparations at his residence in Kampung Pasir and prayers at the mosque.

Utusan Online reported that veterans in the entertainment field, such as DJ Dave, Norman Hakim, Yusof Haslam, Ahmad Nawab, Fauzi Ayob, Zaiton Sameon and M Nasir, were present.

Also present at the cemetery was Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nancy Shukri.

Jins, 81, died yesterday at a clinic in Taman Melawati, according to his son Putera Hang Jebat.

Putera Hang Jebat said his father complained of difficulty breathing when having tea at home and was rushed to the clinic at 5.45pm.

Jins leaves behind a wife, Halijah Abdullah and three sons, Jefri Jins, Putera Hang Jebat and Putera Hang Nadim.

'Strict, but also loving'

Putera Hang Jebat, 30, described his father as a strict disciplinarian when dealing with his children.

"My father was serious about matters involving our education. He was strict, but was also loving," he told reporters when met at the cemetery, Bernama reported.

Putera Hang Jebat said Jins had always hoped that more local artistes would further their studies in the arts to take the Malaysian arts industry to a higher level.

"My father wanted local artistes to be knowledgeable," just like him, who has a PhD degree.

Meanwhile, actor Zul Ariffin, 31, described the death of Jins Shamsuddin as a big loss to the Malaysian film industry.

"I learned a lot of acting from him, although we never acted together. Jins Shamsuddin is my mentor," Zul added.

Film hero who became politician

Mohamed Jins Shamsuddin was born on Nov 5, 1935, in Taiping, Perak. The Malay film hero subsequently went into politics and was a two-term senator, from 2004 to 2011.

He was awarded the Seniman Negara (National Artiste) by the government in 2009 for his contribution to the development of the Malaysian film industry.

The late actor starred in more than 40 movies, including 'Sarjan Hassan', 'Gerak Kilat', 'Si Tanggang', 'Bukan Salah Ibu Mengandung' and 'Sumpah Wanita'.

Among his directorial efforts are the classics 'Bukit Kepong', 'Ali Setan', 'Menanti Hari Esok', 'Esok Masih Ada' and 'Balada'.

Jins career took off in 1950 and lasted until the 70s,. In his early years, Jins received the support of national legend P Ramlee.