In his decades-long arts career, Pyanhabib created an array of poetry works, brimming with soul, rebellion and empathy, that always reflected the strength of human effort and determination. Photo: Azman Karib Ibrahim
Malaysian poet, arts activist and actor Mohd Supyan Abdul Rahman, or better known as Pyanhabib, died in Kuala Lumpur earlier this evening (June 4). He was 66.
The news was confirmed by his wife Zurina Zakariya in a post on his Facebook page.
Over a free-spirited career spanning more than 45 years, Taiping, Perak-born Pyanhabib became one of Malaysia's most beloved wordsmiths. His poetry, written in Bahasa Malaysia, has inspired generations of readers and writers, cementing his legacy in the homegrown literary world.
Pyanhabib, who suffered hearing loss when he was a child (because of a high fever), was known for his warm personality, sense of individuality and unique spoken word charm, capable of taking over a whole room or open field without even trying.
He started off his poetry career – and dabbled in theatre and literary work – through his association with the legendary Anak Alam arts collective in Kuala Lumpur in the mid-1970s. His early poetry collections include Suara and Saraf Dukaku, both personal and poignant works setting him off on his literary journey.
Through the years, the Kuala Lumpur-based poet created an array of works, brimming with soul, rebellion and empathy, that always reflected the strength of human effort and determination. His "outsider" poetry, which he viewed as a form of "street drama" and famously performed under street lamps ("tiang lampu") in Kuala Lumpur, also included observations on life, love, politics and social issues.
Whether organised by arts/literary institutions or an independent community gathering, his presence was a constant at everything from art festivals to experimental poetry events.
In this file image from February 2020, poet-actor Pyanhabib is seen in a performance art routine at the National Art Gallery in KL, following the reinstatement of artist Ahmad Fuad Osman's works at his solo exhibition 'At The End Of The Day Even Art Is Not Important'. Photo: The Star/Azman Ghani
In the 1980s, Pyanhabib also made a memorable run in the film world, with movies such as Kembara Seniman Jalanan (1986), Tsu Feh Sofiah (1986), Rozana Cinta 87 (1987), Tak Kisahlah Beb (1989) and Mat Som (1990).
As a mainstay in Kuala Lumpur's poetry scene and arts events, he also expanded his creative pursuits to include music video collaborations, video essays, and even fashion recently, with a limited edition sneaker series celebrating his Osman Tikus character from the movie Kembara Seniman Jalanan
Above all, the well-loved poet stayed deeply rooted in the literary world, blending creativity with poetic depth. Since 2012, his collaboration with the Malaysian Institute of Translation and Books (ITBM) led to the publication of three books, including Balada Pyanhabib.
Poet Pyanhabib (left) and singer-songwriter Loque pose together during a photo call for MonoLoque's music video 'Tanah Airku Tanah Airmu Jua' in September 2013. Photo: Handout
In July 2022, Pyanhabib was awarded the Anugerah Tokoh Puisi Kuala Lumpur 2022 (a poetry award) by local literary associations Gabungan Persatuan Persatuan Penulis Nasional Malaysia (GAPENA) and Persatuan Penulis Nasional Malaysia (PENA).
On social media, there has been a flood of tributes to Pyanhabib, including a condolence message from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"At the start of my journey as an art enthusiast, I always waited for his poetry recitals. The last time we worked together was for a cameo in the Malaysia Madani video last year,” posted Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil on X, adding that Pyanhabib’s loss would be deeply felt by the local arts and literary communities.
