The first Malaysian ventriloquist, Sheikh Ahmad Mahadi Baladram has reportedly died due to chronic asthma at the age of 70.

Synonymous for his appearance with a small-sized puppet named Uncle Jalud, he died at 11am today at his home in Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras.

He was buried at Alam Damai Muslim cemetery in Cheras.

His career as a ventriloquist started after he became a finalist of Bakat TV RTM in 1978. His meteoric fame in the 70s and 80s made him a household name in the local showbiz,

His fans also knew him with a puppet named Dr. Al-Latah.

Sheikh Ahmad also has appeared in comedy, Mami Jarum by Datuk Razak Mohaideen in 2002.