Disclaimer: In Real Life is a platform for everyday people to share their experiences and voices. All articles are personal stories and do not necessarily echo In Real Life’s sentiments
Malaysia was shaken last weekend by the passing of our beloved emcee, singer, and actress, Adibah Noor. The 52 year-old multi-talent passed away of ovarian cancer on the evening of the 18th of June and has been laid to rest at the Taman Keramat Permai Muslim Cemetery in Selangor on Sunday, 19th June.
She held many iconic roles and is well known by Malaysians of all ages
From starting out in a singing competition called ‘Suara 90-an Nescafe’ in 1994, the English as a Second Language teacher won the hearts of many through her characters in arguably some of Malaysia’s best films.
Here are our favourites!
1. Sepet (2005)
Having worked in several of the late Yasmin Ahmad’s commercials before, Adibah Noor said she was surprised when she was offered the role of Kak Yam for the film(as well as its sequels, Gubra and Mukhsin)
In this film about the budding romance between Orked and Jason, Kak Yam is Orked’s confidante. As her live-in maid and her mother’s best friend, Kak Yam who has a love for Chinese dramas is soft but quick-witted, a figure of comfort in Orked’s life.
2. Talentime (2009)
Described by the director “as a story full of joy and pain, hope and despair, a host of beautifully-written songs, and rich characters”, the film takes place around a school talent show organised by Adibah’s character, Cikgu Adibah.
An iconic scene from the film shows the teacher shouting ‘Next!’ as she sifts through contestants auditioning for the talent show, the OG ‘thank u, next’. Cikgu Adibah walked so Ariana Grande could run.
3. Nasi Lemak 2.0 (2011)
In this film directed by the controversial Namewee, Adibah Noor plays the character of Nor, a mysterious hawker stall lady who sends the main character Huang on a journey of self-enlightenment. Adibah said in an interview that “This movie really is the best.”
Upon hearing the news of the star’s death, Namewee tweeted “I’m really honored and proud to have you in my movie – Nasi Lemak 2.0. Rakyat Malaysia akan sentiasa merindui kak Noor kita.”
4. Phua Chu Kang Sdn Bhd (2009)
The legendary curly-haired, yellow boot wearing contractor left Singapore to expand his business in Malaysia by partnering with millionaire Izzy, played by comedian Harith Iskander. Adibah Noor is Fatimah, Izzy’s mother who moves into Phua’s house as their maid.
Fatimah is quick and sneaky, but still absolutely adorable in the show.
5. Oh My English! (2012 – 2017)
Adibah reprises her role in education, but this time on the silver screen with her role as Puan Hajar on the educational comedy that aired on Astro’s edutainment channel, TVIQ for a strong 5 years.
Puan Hajah is headmistress who encourages her students to develop a genuine love for learning. She is wise, calm, and well-loved by all her students and staff, a true reflection of Adibah Noor herself!
An image of selflessness
The late Adibah Noor is known in Twitterjaya (the Malaysian Twitterverse) for using her account to share and support small causes and businesses, a duty she owes no one. Her profile is filled with postings of local businesses as well as notices for pets that are up for adoption and looking for new homes.
She is also known to be one to support budding talents in the film and TV industry, no role was too small. “Last April I was on call with the late Adibah Noor telling her about the shoot I wanted her to be involved in. She was on board with the shoot but sadly we had to postpone because of her condition.
“The last thing she said to me was ‘takpe nanti kita kerja sama sama ok’….she told me she would be so honoured to be in the film for me.” recounts filmmaker Adam Zainal on the day of her passing.
Less than a week before her passing, she tweeted an apology for no longer being able to help others as she was the one who was now in need.
This was followed by a few more retweets of local businesses and adoption notices over the next 5 days.
A piece of her will always remain with us
Whether we found comfort in her when we had relationship problems through Kak Yam or if she got us excited to learn English after school, Adibah Noor will always be a strong presence in the hearts of Malaysians across all ages. She brought joy and laughter to our TV screens and she will be dearly missed.
Know anyone with an interesting story to share? Drop us an email at hello@inreallife.my and we may feature the story!
For more stories like this, read:
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