19/05/2025

LYFE MONDAY | MAY 19, 2025

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KRU Group and Icon Entertainment (M) Sdn Bhd made history by receiving two recognitions from The Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) following the staging of the GenKRU 2025 Concert. The four-night concert held at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil was recognised in two categories: Most Shows in a Single Concert Series and Most Concert Tickets Sold Out in an Hour. KRU performed on May 3, 4, 10 and 11, drawing more than 30,000 spectators, while Icon Entertainment sold 8,000 tickets within one hour. Communications Ministry deputy secretary-general (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry) Nik Kamaruzaman Nik Husin and Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia CEO Iliyas Jamil witnessed the certificate presentations, handed over by MBOR representative Christopher Wong to KRU and Icon Entertainment. The band’s leader Datuk Norman Abdul Halim said the achievement was a form of appreciation not only to KRU personally, but to fans who turned what was initially planned as a one-night concert into a four-night event. “KRU must extend our gratitude for the F ROM a modest office above Restoran Haslam in 1985, Skop Productions Sdn Bhd has grown into one of Malaysia’s most enduring film powerhouses. Founded by acclaimed producer Datuk Yusof Haslam, the company’s journey from humble beginnings to cinematic success is a story of resilience, passion and a steadfast commitment to uplifting Malay films. At 71, Yusof reflects that success was hard-earned, built on integrity, patience and determination – with crucial support from the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas). “When the privatisation policy was introduced in 1985, I seized the chance to produce the police drama series Remang Kota Raya for RTM, before venturing into film with Bayangan Maut in late 1990,” Yusof said at his office recently. “After producing nearly 50 drama series, I finally had the confidence to make Bayangan Maut , which was partially funded through Skim Kemudahan Produksi Finas (Finas’ Production Facility Scheme) – as were many of my later films,” he said. The phenomenal success of Sembilu propelled Skop Productions into the spotlight, paving the way for a string of impactful titles – including Sembilu 2 , Maria Mariana , Gemilang , Bara , and Gerak Khas The Movie – which not only grossed millions but also reshaped the local film landscape. Yusof, dubbed the “Six Million Dollar Man”, expressed his appreciation to Finas, which he described as the backbone of the local film industry. He said Finas has offered various mechanisms including financial loans, content development funds and Skim Wajib Tayang (Compulsory Screening Scheme), which have provided filmmakers – especially those working on medium-scale productions – with continued opportunities to create. “For instance, without Skim Wajib Tayang , Yusof tells industry players to take personal responsibility in ensuring each production’s success.

Yusof is popularly known as the ‘Six Million Dollar Man’. – PICS FROM BERNAMA

later with their help,” he said. At the same time, Yusof urged more Bumiputera filmmakers to step forward and strengthen the competitiveness of the industry, which is currently facing challenges from streaming platforms and shifting audience preferences. “In the past, we had KRU, and I am happy to see them making a comeback. Bold ideas such as that should not just fade away. We want more Malay players in this field – we cannot just rely on Skop Productions alone. “We are just a small company driving the industry with the intent of earning a living and uplifting Malay cinema so that young Malays can be proud – just like we take pride in figures such as Tan Sri Azman Hashim or Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary,” he said. Today, the legacy of Skop Productions is being carried on by the second generation – his sons Syamsul and Syafiq – each with his own directing and storytelling styles. “I never planned or forced my children to follow in my footsteps, but they grew up on set, watching me work, and the interest came naturally. When they showed commitment, I gave them opportunities – but I still maintain strict standards so that each project carries value and returns for the company,” he said. Their works have made box office history, including Mat Kilau: Kebangkitan Pahlawan (RM97.4 million), Sheriff: Narko Integriti (RM63.2 million), Polis Evo 3 (RM54.1 million), Munafik 2 (RM48 million) and their latest flick Blood Brothers: Bara Naga , which earned over RM76 million within 33 days of screening, including in Singapore. “ Blood Brothers will be screened in Indonesia and Thailand by mid-next month, while discussions are still ongoing for Cambodia. We will also invest and localise the film through dubbing based on each country,” he said. – Bernama

Skop Productions has grown into one of Malaysia’s most enduring film powerhouses. Four decades of cinematic legacy o Yusof Haslam reflects on Skop Productions’s journey

each production. Meanwhile,

unwavering support over more than three decades, which enabled the concert to be held across four nights and to receive recognition from MBOR,” he said after receiving the accolade. Meanwhile, Icon Entertainment founder Iman Tang described the achievement as proof of the overwhelming support from fans for KRU and the concert. “Icon Entertainment is pleased to share this recognition with all KRU fans who made the GenKRU Concert so extraordinary – not only because tickets sold out in one hour, but also because the concert was held successfully over four nights,” he said. The GenKRU Concert featured special guest appearances by artistes such as Feminin, Elite, Adam AF, AC Mizal and Abon. Meanwhile, the Communications Ministry, through a Facebook post, congratulated KRU and Icon Entertainment for the recognition. The message said the government, through the Communications Ministry, remains committed to providing continued support for the development of the country’s arts, culture and creative entertainment industries. This is to strengthen a progressive and competitive industrial ecosystem. – Bernama smaller, non-commercial films might not be shown in cinemas, as cinema owners tend to prioritise films that promise returns,” said Yusof, who received Finas loans during the early stages of his career. He also welcomed Finas’ efforts to strengthen industry support systems through the Film in Malaysia Incentive, which offers up to 35% cash rebates to producers based on the quality and cultural content of their films. “This approach sends a clear signal that only quality productions will benefit, thereby raising the overall standards of the local film industry,” said Yusof, who also expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of his wife Datin Patimah Ismail. He reminded industry players to enhance their competitiveness and take personal responsibility in ensuring the success of

commenting the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between his company and Mandarin Motion Pictures of Hong Kong, Yusof said the collaboration is a strategic step in expanding the international network of the local film industry, in line with the suggestion by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He said the MoU involves a large-scale film project that will feature locations in both Hong Kong and Malaysia, paving the way for knowledge exchange and bilateral investment opportunities. “I see this as a win-win project. We help them, and at the same time, we can also expand our film market into China. There is even a possibility that we will shoot in China on

KRU concerts enter Malaysia Book of Records

KRU band members receiving the said certificates. – PIC FROM ICON ENTERTAINMENT