#SHOWBIZ: Yusof Haslam maintains modest lifestyle despite huge success
KUALA LUMPUR: Despite a successful career in filmmaking and the F&B business, Datuk Yusof Haslam maintains a modest lifestyle, eschewing lavish spending.
Berita Harian recently reported that the 71-year-old producer emphasised his preference for simple living and avoiding unnecessary expenditures.
"I've always favoured a simple life. My watches, for instance, cost less than RM1,000, with some as low as RM100."
He also noted his wife's similar frugality.
"She has never purchased handbags exceeding RM3,000. Any such purchase would require my approval."
Yusof clarified, "I'm not stingy, but I don't prioritise brands and prestige, unlike some acquaintances who readily spend RM25,000 on a watch.
"For me, quality matters more than brand names. These items serve the same purpose, regardless of price, so why overspend?"
He attributed his financial prudence to witnessing the business failures of those close to him.
"Seeing some people close to me having had the misfortune of failed business ventures had made me to be more careful in managing my finances."
He cited an example: "My wife once suggested renovating our house, but I declined due to my age. If I were younger, I might have agreed."
"I don't want to invest millions in renovations and new furniture, only to risk losing everything in a business downturn, potentially at below-market value. Besides, my house is still beautiful," he stated during a recent open house at his Taman Melawati residence.
The director, once dubbed the 'Six Million Dollar Man,' prefers to share his wealth with those in need.
"Why waste money on displays of luxury? It's better to use the sustenance Allah provides for charitable purposes.
"When we are blessed with abundance, it's not solely for ourselves; we have a social responsibility to give back to the community."
In other news, Yusof confirmed plans for a sequel to 'Blood Brothers: Bara Naga.'
"When a film achieves extraordinary box office success, like 'Sembilu', 'Maria Mariana', and 'Janji Diana', a sequel is almost inevitable.
"Consider 'Abang Long Fadil', where the first film earned RM5 million, the sequel RM18 million, and the third RM25 million."
He added, "God willing, I will prioritise producing 'Sheriff: Narko Integriti 2' first, followed by 'Blood Brothers 2' next year."
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