Legendary actor Tan Sri Jins Shamsuddin has passed away on Wednesday (1st March). He was 81.
According to The Star, he experienced breathing difficulties when he was having a meal at his home in Taman Melawati yesterday. He was then rushed to a nearby clinic, where he died at 5:45pm.
Born Mohamed Zain Shamsuddin on 5th November 1935 in Taiping, Jins was hand-picked by the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee to be the leading man of “Pancha Delima” (1957). Dubbed the “Malaysian James Bond”, the actor is known for playing the role of secret agent Jefri Zain in “Gerak Kilat” (1966), “Bayangan Ajal” (1968), and “Jurang Bahaya” (1968).
Besides that, Jins has also starred in many films, including “Sarjan Hassan” (1958), “Megat Terawis” (1960), “Lela Manja” (1960), and “Bukan Salah Ibu Mengandung” (1969). His directorial debut, titled “Bukit Kepong”, was very well-received, winning 7 awards at the Malaysia Film Festival (FFM) including best film, director, and actor.
In addition to his career in show business, Jins was sworn in the Dewan Negara as a senator on 13th October 2004, making him the first entertainer to be a member of the Dewan House. He also earned a PhD from UUM with a thesis centred on Malay films from the 1930s to the 1960s.
“No one could ask for a fuller life than his. No man could have given more to his family, to his profession and to his country,’’ said a family member.
Rest in peace, Jins Shamsuddin. You will be missed, always.
Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.
