KUALA LUMPUR: Once praised for his “extraordinary” talent as a comedian, actor, singer, host, and radio presenter for over four decades, veteran star Salih Yaacob admits that his era of popularity has passed.
The 64-year-old, whose real name is Mohammad Salih Yaacob, says he hasn’t received any offers for about six years.
He now earns a living by doing product reviews and live sessions on TikTok from his home.
”My prime is over. The last time I worked was as a radio presenter, and I quit in 2019. After that, I didn’t get any offers for acting or singing. Nothing at all,” he said.
”Since losing my livelihood, I’ve sold all my cars—I had about five or six vehicles. All I have left is my house.
“As for income, if God provides, it’s there. My rezeki hasn’t stopped, though. Some companies ask me to do product reviews, so I can earn a few thousand ringgit.
“I also do live sessions on TikTok and make a few hundred ringgit a month. Even for that, I am grateful because I know my time is over. This is the end of the line.”
Remaining realistic, Salih says he is not at all discouraged by the lack of opportunities in the entertainment industry, accepting that he is being overtaken by age.
”Why should I be discouraged? I’m just waiting to be called home. So, I don’t want to beg. Whatever I can do, I’ll do it myself,” he said.
Salih, who has been married three times, says he still supports his family.
He adds that the financial burden is not too great as only two of his twelve children are still in school.
”All my children and wives are well-behaved, thank God. My oldest child is 40, while the youngest is in Year Four. Another child is in Form Four.
“The other children have all grown up and some are married. Whatever the situation, I have to fulfil my responsibilities.
“All my wives are loyal and willing to be together in difficult times,” he said.
Salih began his career as a singer in 1985 with the song ‘Puteri Remaja’ and admits his health has not been good lately.
”I’m not very well; it’s normal for old people to get sick. I can’t stand for long because I haven’t worked for six years. I just stay at home, so I can’t even get up for a long time. “I’m not very strong, I really can’t. There are times when I have to be lifted up to get up, but it’s not because of an illness. I’m not sick,” he said.
Salih, also known as ‘Abang Jem’, became a household name while broadcasting on Sinar FM, where he was known for his witty banter and humour.
After 13 years as a radio presenter, Salih announced his retirement in 2019.
He started at the station in 2006, co-hosting the Sinar Pagi slot with Raja Azura and Khairil Rashid.
Salih’s current wives are Norlizah Mamat, 60; Norfara Wahida Sulaiman, 46; and Samihah Sheikh Amy, 39. He and his second wife, Norraha Hamat, 56, divorced in 2016.
He has a total of 12 children from his marriages.
Salih’s career began after he participated in an audition for Pentarama at the Malaysian Information Department, in 1980.
He worked as a dancer and singer for three years before continuing his career with the Army Orchestra (OTD) until 1986.
While with OTD, Salih was offered a spot on the RTM programme ‘Mekar Sejambak’.
He has recorded six albums and starred in successful films such as ‘Jejaka Perasan’ (1986) and ‘Bayangan Maut‘ (1991).
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
