Remembering Malaysia’s Beloved Comic Master – Zaibo’s Last Days
Zaibo (real name Zainal Ariffin Abdul Hamid) has left us at 62, after a hard‑fought battle with cancer that spread from his esophagus to his stomach, lungs and rib cage. He passed away on Wednesday, November 14, right at his Johor home surrounded by his wife and two sisters.
Family’s Quiet Farewell
- The 52‑year‑old wife, Siti Hawa Sawal, simply said, “I’m so sad now. Give me time.”
- His family says he was chatting normally the day before. Then, at 12:30 pm, he struggled to breathe, the ambulance couldn’t help in time, and he peacefully drifted out at 1:30 pm.
- His funeral will take place the same day, with a burial that honors the cheeky, heartfelt man everyone loved.
The 1990s Star and the His Later Life
Zaibo was best known as “Yusof” the mee rebus seller in the sitcom Under One Roof, bringing laughter to millions. Yet he was not just a comic; he also was a person who welcomed every laugh with humility, a true gem who always said, “I am not scared.” – an answer to the question that life can be as scary as a spoons‑bent temple or a bad haircut.
What Friends Remember
- Vernetta Lopez (45) declared him “the most humble, funny, and absolutely sweetest person ever.”
- A Mediacorp DJ summed it up: “Zaibo was a talent that could give anyone a good laugh, and no one was not helped by his boundless kindness.”
- Nicholas Lee (53) spoke of joy: “Working with Zaibo was an undefinable joy. My friend, your laughter will echo wherever you go.”
Final Thoughts
Though he had to say goodbye, the memory of his legendary “Yusof” will live on in the sunny banter of the “Under One Roof” rooms and in the hearts of every fan who laughed with him. He was a shining star who taught us that some of the safest ways to hurt something else are through good humor and genuine warmth.
Rest in peace, Zaibo* – you’ll be missed, both for the jokes and for the smiles you carried in each call‑out of life. RIP, dear friend.
