#SHOWBIZ: Syafiq Kyle cherishes late mother's final WhatsApp message following her passing

KUALA LUMPUR: Actor Syafiq Kyle is learning to cope with the silence left by his mother's passing, admitting he deeply misses her lively chatter and the everyday conversations they shared for thirty years.

His mother, Rohaya Sulaiman, died on Oct 17 from stage-four lung cancer.

Syafiq said her death left a quiet void in his life, though the chatter of other talkative people around him has helped ease the loneliness.

"From my school days until I started working, there were so many moments with my mother over those 30 years," said the 34-year-old actor, whose full name is Mohd Syafiq Shamim Abdul Razak.

He recalled having to sit quietly and think through his memories one by one, describing his mother as naturally very talkative.

Rohaya was diagnosed with lung cancer after initially seeking treatment for a suspected gallbladder issue.

Her health worsened despite chemotherapy, which she received from December last year until October.

"After several sessions, around the fourth, her condition became weaker and she no longer had the energy she used to," Syafiq said, adding that he was grateful the family were by her side when she passed away.

One memory that remains especially close to his heart is his mother's final WhatsApp message, sent about a day before her death while he was filming in Terengganu.

"Assalamualaikum Angah. Sihat ke? Ibu dekat sini okey je (Peace be upon you, Angah. How are you? I'm doing just fine here)," she wrote.

Syafiq said re-reading the text felt like she wanted to reassure him she was all right.

Despite his grief, Syafiq said he has accepted her passing and believes there are lessons and blessings to be found.

He reflected on the power of a mother's prayers, noting that it is now his turn to keep praying for her.

He plans to take a short break from his busy work schedule to find peace and process his loss.

He said the family would always cherish their memories with Rohaya, whose warm presence had been a constant throughout his life.

Rohaya's death was first shared on social media on Oct 17 October by Syafiq's younger brother, Syazwan Razak, and his wife, actress Mimi Lana.

Expressing his gratitude for the prayers and kind messages from well-wishers, Syafiq encouraged people to cherish their parents and make time for them while they can.