15 veteran artistes receive RM15,000 in Deepavali assistance
Each recipient received RM1,000, with YKAT saying the assistance was intended to help with financial pressures and festive preparations.
Yayasan Kebajikan Artis Tanahair (YKAT) has distributed RM15,000 to 15 veteran artistes in Kuala Lumpur ahead of Deepavali. Its chairman, Datuk Irwan Shah Abdullah, better known as DJ Dave, said each received RM1,000 towards financial needs and preparations for the celebration.
Speaking at the YKAT Deepavali Festive Contribution 2026 event, DJ Dave said assistance was offered without regard to race or religion. The recipients comprised eight Indian, five Malay and two Chinese artistes. YKAT trustee Dr S. Kanagarajan also attended the ceremony.
DJ Dave said the foundation would continue helping veteran creative talent, particularly those experiencing ill health or financial difficulties. He called for continued recognition of their contributions to Malaysia's entertainment industry and expressed hope that the payments would help recipients and their families enjoy the festivities.
The recipients included singers M.R. Krishnaveni, Siew Fook Choy, Tang Lee Choon, M. Bala Subramaniam, R. Ragunathan and M. Arumainathan. Musicians M. Vallakrishnan, Jasmir Margani, Ismail Hitam, Mohamad Sharip Ya'acob and Md Nasir Yusof also received assistance, alongside actors Norazian Salehan, Gusion Lal Sukh Chain, M. Maheswaran and R. Alavian.
