KOTA KINABALU: A well-known local performer who frequently appeared as the God of Wealth at Chinese community events died after collapsing at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Sunday morning, just hours before a scheduled performance.
Lee Choon Fook, also known as Lee Choon Ping, 66, was preparing for a Chinese New Year event when he reportedly fainted at about 8am.
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Witnesses said he had earlier collapsed once but told those around him that he could get up and continue before gathering himself and collapsing again.
He later went to a makeup area located some distance from the main hall to prepare for his role.
There, he collapsed again and was found unresponsive. It was reported that he had complained of feeling cold shortly before losing consciousness.
An ambulance team that was already on standby at the venue rushed him to hospital, but he was believed to have stopped breathing before arrival. Medical personnel later confirmed his death.
Lee was a familiar figure at festive celebrations and was often invited to perform as the God of Wealth at Chinese cultural and community events around the city.
He is survived by four children. His wife had passed away earlier.
