#SHOWBIZ: YKAT spreads festive cheer with RM15,000 aid for veteran artistes ahead of Deepavali

KUALA LUMPUR: Continuing its commitment to supporting local veteran entertainers, Yayasan Kebajikan Artis Tanahair (YKAT) presented RM15,000 in cash aid ahead of the upcoming Deepavali celebrations.

YKAT chairman and legendary crooner Datuk Irwan Shah Abdullah, better known as DJ Dave, 78, said 15 veteran artistes received RM1,000 each to help ease their financial burden and assist with festive preparations.

He highlighted YKAT's inclusive approach to caring for local talent regardless of race or religion, noting that this year's recipients included eight Indian, five Malay, and two Chinese artistes.

"Deepavali carries a deeply meaningful message — the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over adversity. For me, these values resonate closely with YKAT's mission, as we believe every individual deserves a chance at a better life, regardless of their background," he said during the YKAT Deepavali Festive Contribution 2026 event yesterday.

Also present at the ceremony was YKAT trustee Dr S. Kanagarajan.

DJ Dave added that YKAT remains dedicated to supporting local creative talent, particularly aging veterans facing health problems or financial hardship.

He emphasised that the sacrifices of these artistes — who once poured their hearts into shaping the country's entertainment industry — deserve lasting appreciation and should never be forgotten.

He hoped the financial support would bring cheer to the recipients and their families during the celebrations.

Among those honoured at the event were singers M.R. Krishnaveni, Siew Fook Choy, Tang Lee Choon, M. Bala Subramaniam, R. Ragunathan, and M. Arumainathan.

Also recognised was a lineup of musicians—M. Vallakrishnan, Jasmir Margani, Ismail Hitam, Mohamad Sharip Ya'acob, and Md Nasir Yusof—along with actors Norazian Salehan, Gusion Lal Sukh Chain, M. Maheswaran, and R. Alavian.