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New Straits Times
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Yusof Haslam: 'Raja Nurfatimah was a dear friend who helped my family all the way'
KUALA LUMPUR: Filmmaker and producer Datuk Yusof Haslam has described the death of the late Berita Harian assistant entertainment editor Raja Nurfatimah Mawar Mohamed as the loss of a dear friend who supported his family throughout their careers. Raja Nurfatimah passed away today. "Raja Nurfatimah and I go back a long way," he said when contacted. "She covered my work when I was still an actor, and she was there when I became a filmmaker with the Sembilu series too." Yusof added that Raja Nurfatimah was a steadfast supporter of his sons. "When my sons Syamsul and Syafiq rose in the industry, she was the first entertainment journalist to give them support. "My family and I owe her so much, and we'll all miss her dearly," he told NST. Yusof also fondly recalled Raja Nurfatimah's annual Hari Raya Aidilfitri visits. "She would always visit me during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, and we would engage in hearty conversations about Malaysian entertainment." Describing her professional qualities, Yusof said, "She was very hardworking, dedicated, knowledgeable, but most of all, humble and friendly. Almost everyone in showbiz knew her and had good things to say about her." Yusof shared his regret, saying, "I had plans to visit Raja Nurfatimah in July, but alas, this was not to be." "On behalf of my family, I convey my heartfelt condolences to Raja Nurfatimah's loved ones," Yusof said. "Malaysia has lost a great entertainment journalist, and the entertainment world has lost a good friend. We will always remember her love and support for Malaysian entertainment." Several artistes also paid tribute to Raja Nurfatimah on Facebook and Instagram, including Fauziah Ahmad Daud, Datuk Hattan, and Datuk Fauziah Nawi. In an Instagram post, Fauziah Ahmad Daud wrote: "Rest in peace, Raja Nurfatimah. Thank you so much for being a great friend to all of us." Hattan shared on Facebook: "May she be placed among the righteous. We've lost a great friend." Fauziah Nawi also expressed her condolences on Facebook: "May her soul rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences to her family." Raja Nurfatimah, 49, passed away at her home in Sungai Long, Kuala Lumpur, around 2 pm today. Her death, reportedly due to breathing difficulties and chest pain, has shocked both the journalistic fraternity and the entertainment industry. She was an outstanding, award-winning journalist throughout her three-decade-long career. Raja Nurfatimah's remains have been sent to Kajang Hospital for a post-mortem. She will be laid to rest in her hometown of Kuala Terengganu later.
New Straits Times
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Hit films run in Yusof Haslam's family [WATCH]
DATUK Yusof Haslam and his sons, Syamsul and Syafiq, could be known as Malaysia's First Family of Film. Yusof is known for his box-office toppers like the "Sembilu" film series, and police-procedural drama "Gerak Khas". Syamsul directed " Mat Kilau", "Evolusi KL Drift", "KL Gangster" and "Munafiq", and Syafiq has been riding high with "Sheriff", "Soloz" and "Blood Brothers". We caught up with Yusof and Syafiq, the younger of his two sons, in Taman Melawati, Hulu Klang, Selangor, in conjunction with Fathers Day. Syafiq: "While Fathers Day is international, every day is Fathers Day for me," Syafiq, 32, initially had no ambition to follow in his father's footsteps. "While in school, I liked skateboarding and wanted to excel in it. "After my Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, , my father advised me to study film. "I watched my brother's films and found that his first film, 'Evolusi KL Drift', was really good, and different from the rest." Syafiq added: "There were fewer action films at that time, and that made Syamsul a groundbreaker. "I also watched my father's films and liked 'Gerak Khas The Movie'. At that time, action movies were rare, and teenagers in the 2000s loved them." Syafiq did not see much of his father's old movies, though. "As a kid I starred in my father's films like 'Maria Mariana'. "I was also in 'Roda-Roda KL' when I was in Form Four and Form Five." Syafiq, who also starred in 'Evolusi KL Drift The Series', said acting was not easy. "You have to take care of your body and appearance. I feel uncomfortable because I often eat at eateries". He has been following his father's films and dramas since his schooldays and often accompanied his father to film sets. "'Sembilu' and 'Gerak Khas' were shot in my house. I often saw my dad's filming process, and he introduced me to the crew." Syafiq said Syamsul was initially interested in film, and made short films that he appeared in. "I took a film course at KL Multimedia University in 2011 but did not complete it. I dropped out after a year, because my father wanted me to focus on movie making." Syafiq fell in love with the "Gerak Khas" series and films as he loves action movies. "What I love most about my father's films is that they are multiracial and reflect the spirit of 'Bangsa Malaysia'". When Syafiq first told Yusof about his interest in making movies, the founder of Skop Productions was delighted his son wanted to "join the club". He advised Syafiq to pursue a film degree like his elder brother. Was Yusof a "terrifying dad"? "He is serious at work, but a loving father." Syafiq said he was closer to his mother during his schooldays but bonded with his father during holidays. "Dad and I are a lot closer now. He encouraged me to mix with more people as it helps expand my career." Yusof also emphasised neatness, punctuality and hard work, he added. "Dad may look serious, but at heart he is talkative and friendly. I was never scared of him." Yusof also encouraged Syafiq to do well in school, and while Syafiq said that he was an "okay" student, he scored 5As in his SPM. "While my dad is my constructive critic, he is never harsh in his criticism. In fact, he is very supportive and gives me lots of tips." Yusof said he was very happy with Syafiq's achievements: "He exceeded my expectations. "My advice: A story must be come from the heart. That is what viewers want." Yusof said that Syafiq has a vision, that is, to be different from his father. "It is good that he is not a copier. He steps out outside his comfort zone. This is evident in 'Desolasi', which is out of the ordinary." Yusof lists Syafiq's films "Saya Amat Mencintaimu (SAM)", "Desolasi", the "Abang Long Fadil" films and "Sheriff" as his favourites. "He is very meticulous. That's why his films do well,. "Best of all, I did not encourage him to be a filmmaker. It was his own decision." Yusof said that Syafiq's decision to become a filmmaker came at a time when local films were "not doing well". "I told him originality could make a difference," said Yusof, whose "Gerak Khas" series also spawned a spin-off by Syafiq titled "Gerak Khas Undercover". Yusof describes Syafiq's movies as "urban" while Syamsul's movies are more "commercial". "My elder son loves to act and sing. Syafiq prefers to work behind the camera, but he did appear in a few of my movies and series. "My favourite memory of him in my movies is a deleted scene: He was a baby being carried by one of the supporting actresses." Previous Next
New Straits Times
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Hit films run in Yusof Haslam's family
DATUK Yusof Haslam and his sons, Syamsul and Syafiq, could be known as Malaysia's First Family of Film. Yusof is known for his box-office toppers like the "Sembilu" film series, and police-procedural drama "Gerak Khas". Syamsul directed " Mat Kilau", "Evolusi KL Drift", "KL Gangster" and "Munafiq", and Syafiq has been riding high with "Sheriff", "Soloz" and "Blood Brothers". BABY We caught up with Yusof and Syafiq, the younger of his two sons, in Taman Melawati, Hulu Klang, Selangor, in conjunction with Fathers Day. Syafiq: "While Fathers Day is international, every day is Fathers Day for me," EXCEL Syafiq, 32, initially had no ambition to follow in his father's footsteps. "While in school, I liked skateboarding and wanted to excel in it. "After my Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, , my father advised me to study film. "I watched my brother's films and found that his first film, 'Evolusi KL Drift', was really good, and different from the rest." ACTION Syafiq added: "There were fewer action films at that time, and that made Syamsul a groundbreaker. "I also watched my father's films and liked 'Gerak Khas The Movie'. At that time, action movies were rare, and teenagers in the 2000s loved them." Syafiq did not see much of his father's old movies, though. "As a kid I starred in my father's films like 'Maria Mariana'. "I was also in 'Roda-Roda KL' when I was in Form Four and Form Five." BODY Syafiq, who also starred in 'Evolusi KL Drift The Series', said acting was not easy. "You have to take care of your body and appearance. I feel uncomfortable because I often eat at eateries". He has been following his father's films and dramas since his schooldays and often accompanied his father to film sets. "'Sembilu' and 'Gerak Khas' were shot in my house. I often saw my dad's filming process, and he introduced me to the crew." SHORTS Syafiq said Syamsul was initially interested in film, and made short films that he appeared in. "I took a film course at KL Multimedia University in 2011 but did not complete it. I dropped out after a year, because my father wanted me to focus on movie making." Syafiq fell in love with the "Gerak Khas" series and films as he loves action movies. "What I love most about my father's films is that they are multiracial and reflect the spirit of 'Bangsa Malaysia'". CLUB When Syafiq first told Yusof about his interest in making movies, the founder of Skop Productions was delighted his son wanted to "join the club". He advised Syafiq to pursue a film degree like his elder brother. Was Yusof a "terrifying dad"? "He is serious at work, but a loving father." HOLIDAYS Syafiq said he was closer to his mother during his schooldays but bonded with his father during holidays. "Dad and I are a lot closer now. He encouraged me to mix with more people as it helps expand my career." Yusof also emphasised neatness, punctuality and hard work, he added. "Dad may look serious, but at heart he is talkative and friendly. I was never scared of him." SPM Yusof also encouraged Syafiq to do well in school, and while Syafiq said that he was an "okay" student, he scored 5As in his SPM. "While my dad is my constructive critic, he is never harsh in his criticism. In fact, he is very supportive and gives me lots of tips." HAPPY Yusof said he was very happy with Syafiq's achievements: "He exceeded my expectations. "My advice: A story must be come from the heart. That is what viewers want." Yusof said that Syafiq has a vision, that is, to be different from his father. "It is good that he is not a copier. He steps out outside his comfort zone. This is evident in 'Desolasi', which is out of the ordinary." SAM Yusof lists Syafiq's films "Saya Amat Mencintaimu (SAM)", "Desolasi", the "Abang Long Fadil" films and "Sheriff" as his favourites. "He is very meticulous. That's why his films do well,. "Best of all, I did not encourage him to be a filmmaker. It was his own decision." ORIGINAL Yusof said that Syafiq's decision to become a filmmaker came at a time when local films were "not doing well". "I told him originality could make a difference," said Yusof, whose "Gerak Khas" series also spawned a spin-off by Syafiq titled "Gerak Khas Undercover". Yusof describes Syafiq's movies as "urban" while Syamsul's movies are more "commercial". "My elder son loves to act and sing. Syafiq prefers to work behind the camera, but he did appear in a few of my movies and series. "My favourite memory of him in my movies is a deleted scene: He was a baby being carried by one of the supporting actresses."
New Straits Times
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 'Blood Brothers: Bara Naga' gets novelised
KUALA LUMPUR: Skop Productions, in collaboration with WhiteCoat Group, has transformed its cinematic blockbuster, Blood Brothers: Bara Naga, into a novel. Datuk Yusof Haslam, founder and head of the film production house, stated that this move wasn't new for him, recalling that his popular 1990s movie Sembilu was also novelised. "Blood Brothers: Bara Naga, directed by my son Syafiq and his friend Abhilash Chandra, makes history by transitioning from a film to a novel," said Yusof at the novel's launch at Dewan Merdeka, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, last Sunday. "Just like when Sembilu was screened, we turned it into a novel, and as far as I remember, about 30,000 copies of that novel were produced." Blood Brothers: Bara Naga, which premiered on April 10, has earned RM62 million in 20 days, making it one of the country's top-selling films. Yusof explained that novelising Blood Brothers was a good idea, as not everyone enjoys watching films. He extended his gratitude to authors Dr. Anwar Fazal and Amshida Ahmad Rani for "doing a great job." "Dr. Anwar is my nephew and he is also a songwriter for Syafiq's films," he added. Syafiq expressed his hope that the novel would be well-received by readers, adding, "Congratulations Dr. Anwar, I hope this novel will be a great success." Anwar and Amshida completed the novel in two weeks.
New Straits Times
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Yusof Haslam: I never thought my sons would create phenomenal movies
KUALA LUMPUR: Filmmaker Datuk Yusof Haslam, 70, never thought that the top five best-selling local films of all time would be the work of his sons, Syamsul and Syafiq. In a Harian Metro report yesterday, Yusof said that he never expected the duo to become "giants" of the Malaysian film industry. "I am grateful to God for the success of my sons Syamsul and Syafiq. We never dreamed of this," said Yusof, who is best known for his 1990s Sembilu film series and his long-running police drama series Gerak Khas. Social media is currently abuzz with news of the Top 5 highest-grossing local films. Heading the list is Mat Kilau: Kebangkitan Pahlawan directed by Syamsul with a collection of RM97.4 million. This is followed by Sheriff: Narko Integriti (RM63.2 million by Syafiq), Blood Brothers: Bara Naga (RM62 million by Syafiq), Polis Evo 3 (RM54.1 million by Syafiq) and Munafik 2 (RM48 million by Syamsul). Yusof, who is also the owner of Skop Productions Sdn Bhd, said that he was delighted that his sons' movies were a hit with moviegoers. "I'm done with my era of achieving box-office hits. Now, it is my children's turn to make films, while I focus on drama series." Yusof also said that Syamsul was working on a new film, Original Gangster. "I hope that other young directors will also achieve success and elevate the local film industry," he said. The latest film directed by Syafiq and produced by Skop Productions, Blood Brothers has raked in an extraordinary RM62 million after 20 days.
