PETALING JAYA – After enduring years of homelessness, renowned composer Ross Ariffin has now been placed in a new home through the People’s Housing Programme (PPR), and is being given an opportunity to rekindle his musical career, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
In a Facebook post, Fahmi shared that he sought assistance from fellow cabinet member, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa, for a place to house the composer.
“I asked for (Dr Zaliha’s) consideration to identify a PPR unit (for Ross), and to get essentials for his home,” the Lembah Pantai MP said.
“When stepping into his new PPR home, Ross was in disbelief, as he had a home to live in after three years of homelessness.”
Fahmi, who is also PKR information chief, added that he also met with RTM to discuss efforts in revitalising the 61-year-old’s musical career, through collaborations in song creation.
Fahmi said he met with music director Datuk Mokhzani Ismail to plan the production of new songs that Ross could compose, adding that Ross expressed great enthusiasm for the project.
Sharing a clip of Ross playing a grand piano, Fahmi said he felt touched seeing the legendary composer releasing his longing to play a musical instrument.
“As long as I am a minister and the Madani government is still governing, we will do our best for artists,” Fahmi said.
Fahmi paid the visit to the composer and got to know Ross on a deeper level after discovering his hardships on social media.
The minister said Ross – who suffers from stuttering due to strokes – shared his experiences of eating at the roadside and dining on leftovers, while also having injuries that were yet to heal.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said Ross was looking for a new keyboard and additional money for him to restart his life. Those interested may donate at the BSN account 0410041100013234.
Among many talents, Ross is an award-winning songwriter and album producer, renowned for being the figure behind various songs sung by beloved local singers.
His most notable works include Kemaafan Dendam Yang Terindah and Bayangan by Aishah, Kau dan Aku by Ning Baizura, as well as Aku Seadanya by Fauziah Latiff.
He has also composed Kurniaan Dalam Samaran for Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza and Ceritera Cinta for Jaclyn Victor.
However, in 2021, it was reported that Ross relied on getting sustenance from soup kitchens, after losing all sources of income due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
It was also revealed last year that he had been suffering from homelessness for three years, from around the time when the pandemic started. – February 11, 2024