KUALA LUMPUR – Tributes have poured in following the death of welfare figure and Malaysian batik advocate Datuk Leela Mohd Ali, who passed away on Friday at the age of 86.
The former Health director-general, Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, expressed his shock and deep sadness over Leela’s sudden passing, describing her as someone whose kindness, humility and compassion had touched many lives.
In a Facebook post, Noor Hisham said he was struggling to come to terms with the loss of Leela, who had been a source of guidance and care to those around her.
“I am struggling to process the sheer shock and profound sadness of losing our dear Dato Leela Mohd Ali so suddenly this morning.
“While Dato Leela’s physical presence has been taken from us, her extraordinary legacy of kindness, humility, and motherly care will forever echo through the countless lives she has touched. I will forever treasure the memorable moments of her heartfelt advice and care shared with us,” he said.
The National Cancer Institute (IKN) also conveyed its condolences to Leela’s family, describing her passing as a significant loss to the institution.
IKN said Leela was closely associated with the institute, not only as a member of its Board of Visitors but also through her active involvement in volunteer programmes under Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia (Penyayang).
“The IKN community extends its condolences to the family of YBhg. Dato’ Leela binti Mohd Ali, a member of the IKN Board of Visitors, on her passing this Friday morning.
“YBhg. Dato’ Leela was synonymous with IKN, not only as an ALP IKN member but also through her active involvement in volunteer programmes under Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia (PENYAYANG). Her passing has greatly affected IKN, and we will continue YBhg. Dato’s spirit in providing the best assistance to cancer fighters.”
The institute also shared a prayer, asking for forgiveness, mercy and blessings for Leela while offering strength and patience to her family.
Meanwhile, Hospital Rehabilitasi Cheras (HRC) extended its condolences to Leela’s family, describing her as a respected figure who had contributed greatly through her role as chief executive officer of Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia.
“The senior management and entire HRC community express their condolences on the passing of Allahyarhamah Dato’ Leela Mohd Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia.
“May Allah SWT forgive all her sins, shower His mercy upon her, grant her the best place by His side and place her soul among those who believe and do righteous deeds.
“May all family members be granted strength, resilience and patience in facing this moment of grief.”
Academic Teoh Ai Hua also paid tribute to Leela, remembering her as a prominent figure in youth development, volunteerism and social causes.
“A really sad day when I received the news of the passing of Datuk Leela Mohd Ali, CEO Yayasan Budi Penyayang. An amazing person and towering personality in the field of youth work, volunteerism and social development. I am going to miss her dearly. Al Fatihah,” Teoh said.
According to Astro Awani, Leela, who was recognised for her contributions to welfare, community development and efforts to preserve Malaysian batik, died on Friday morning after decades of service to society.
The cause of death has not been disclosed, while details regarding funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by her family at the time of this writing.
Born in Kuala Kurau, Taiping, Leela was the second of eight children.
She outlived her husband and both her daughters, and is now survived by her son Datuk Ariff Farhan Doss.
Leela served as the chief executive officer of Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia and was previously president of the Malaysian Batik Association. She played a key role in promoting batik as an important element of Malaysia’s cultural heritage and identity.
Before becoming widely known for her work in welfare and heritage advocacy, Leela began her career in education. She received training at the Teacher Education Institute in Bukit Gelugor, Penang, specialising in physical education and history, before becoming a teacher at SMK Clifford in Kuala Kangsar.
Her passion for sports saw her represent Penang in hockey before continuing her career as a Perak state hockey player.
She later obtained a Diploma in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), served at a language institute in Kuala Lumpur and went on to become a teacher educator at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
Leela later joined the Education Ministry and retired in 1994 as an assistant director responsible for English language programmes under the Technical and Vocational Education Division.
However, her enduring legacy remains closely tied to Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia and her efforts to continue the mission of her close friend, the late Tun Endon Mahmood, in championing Malaysian traditional textiles and batik heritage. – July 31, 2026