Prior to his death, Mael had been suffering from shortness of breath. Photo: The Star
Former vocalist of Malaysian rock band XPDC, Mael, passed away at 9.30pm last night at a hospital in Muar, Johor. He was 55.
The news was confirmed by his daughter, Sharifah Irfatasha, through a message on WhatsApp.
“It is with great grief to announce that my father passed away at a hospital in Muar on Thursday, April 27 2023, at about 9.30pm,” she said, as reported by Astro Awani.
According to mStar, The Star’s Malay language news portal, Mael – who’s real name is Syed Ismail Syed Ibrahim – was rushed to the hospital yesterday evening after suffering from shortness of breath.
It is reported that the singer will be buried at Tanah Perkuburan Islam Bakri Batu 6 on Friday (April 28).
Originally named Tragedy, XPDC was founded by Mael and guitarist Izo in 1985. In 1989, popular songwriter JS Kevin renamed the group XPDC.
Over the years, the band released several hits including C.I.N.T.A, Hentian Ini and Hidup Bersama. It also won the Top 5 Best Rock Album prize six times at the Anugerah Industri Musik (AIM).
Mael left the band in 1997. It is understood that his last album with XPDC was Brutal – which sold over 350,000 units.
