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New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Dharma Harun's son disappointed, offered indecent work for RM1k
PETALING JAYA: The second son of veteran actor Dharma Harun, Muhammad Al Syafiq, 36, revealed he once considered dropping out of the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (Aswara) to find stable employment. However, Syafiq said he abandoned that idea because he was unwilling to work with only his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) qualifications, and also due to moral support from various parties urging him to complete his studies. "Honestly, I thought about quitting my studies many times. But the dean, lecturers, and everyone else told me the same thing. They said I was different, that there was value in being at Aswara, which made me hesitate to quit. "My friends also told me it would only take a short while more, and if I quit, I'd be earning an SPM-level salary. I've managed to support my family by working while studying all this time," he said. Syafiq admitted he was embarrassed to publicly discuss his family's financial struggles. But he was desperate as his earnings from part-time work while studying were insufficient to support them. "Do you want to know the sad story about why I shared the post? The landlord told us to move out. The landlord was kind, but there were debts. "My salary was small. I truly hope the 'Deko Ibadah' programme could be aired on TV so we'll have financial resources. "Because things weren't going well, the landlord asked me to vacate within a month. I tried to find another house. But when they heard we'd be paying with help from Baitulmal, people weren't interested. "Whether I liked it or not, I decided to tell the public about our hardships. Thank God, after that, some aid came in, and the landlord said as long as I could pay, we could stay. I could use any donations for that purpose, but I did not stop working," he said. Earlier, Syafiq expressed his displeasure at criticism from netizens who accused him of being idle and hoping for his 69-year-old father, Dharma, to return to work to support the family. Syafiq clarified that he had undertaken numerous part-time jobs as a barista, model, and actor to support his family all this time. However, his monthly income of less than RM1,000 was simply not enough. Syafiq also revealed that he had received various indecent job offers that compromised his self-respect. Among them was an individual who brazenly offered RM1,000 for sexual favours. "I received all sorts of offers. For example, someone wanted to 'rent' my body for RM1,000. I just got that message early this July. There were even worse offers, but I don't think it's appropriate to share them publicly," he said. He admitted he wasn't surprised by such an offer, given his work as a model. According to him, the offer might have stemmed from posting photos from his portfolio on social media. Yesterday, producer Richard Ung organised a special screening of the action film 'Felai Fx', starring both Dharma and Syafiq, while also channeling donations to their family. Ung said that the event, held at the National Film Development Corporation (Finas), was primarily to help collect donations for Dharma due to their difficulties, rather than to promote the 'Felai Fx' film.
New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Ailing actor Dharma getting thinner, weighing only 45kg
KUALA LUMPUR: Popular 1980s actor Dharma Harun Al-Rashid, 69, is reportedly experiencing a deterioration in his physical condition. The news was shared by his son, Muhammad Al Syafiq, on his Instagram Story yesterday. Syafiq posted a picture of Dharma performing prayers while seated, along with a heartfelt caption. "It's okay... wife is not around, but there's God, alright as long as can still pray," Syafiq wrote. He continued, expressing concern for his father's diminishing weight: "My dad is getting skinnier. But this is the challenges with all sorts of problems to face. But it doesn't matter as every problem is a test to succeed and continue to work hard to get excellent results in my studies so that one day I can get a proper job." Syafiq also acknowledged the public's support, saying, "The support of many and the prayers of people are what allows us to still breathe in this confined space." He concluded with a message of resilience: "What good does it do to just be sad, this chalenge is just a small one, many others are struggling harder out there. Have to be grateful and persevere." When contacted via WhatsApp, Dharma, known for his roles in films like Adik Manja and Sikit Punya Gila, confirmed his current weight is only 45kg. He further revealed that he is suffering from several health issues, including gastritis, asthma, swelling of the heart and lungs, and a thyroid condition. Dharma's health struggles are not new. He has had difficulty speaking fluently since suffering a stroke in 2019. This condition also affects his memory, making it challenging for him to recall information and prevents him from being active in his artistic career, whether as a director or actor. He currently relies on medication and memory-strengthening exercises recommended by his doctor. His plight has garnered attention from various arts associations across the country, as well as from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister's political secretary, Ahmad Farhan Fauzi, visited Dharma last year as part of the Ziarah Madani Programme. Dharma currently lives with his son Syafiq, 36, and daughter Siti Qurratu Aini, 37. Both are still students at the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (Aswara).
