#SHOWBIZ: Hit films run in Yusof Haslam's family

New Straits Times

13-06-2025

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."