Veteran actors deserve fair pay for decades of experience, says Ellie Suriaty

Veteran Malaysian actors are increasingly disappointed with the low pay offered for their work, feeling their extensive experience and dedication are not adequately valued. Actress and director Ellie Suriaty expressed sadness over colleagues and seniors receiving offers that she believes are "too low" and "demoralizing."

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It's not fun hearing my friends get offers that don't favor them. It's sad because we've been building our names for so long, through various eras.

"We have built our names over decades and gone through different eras of filmmaking, from celluloid to digital," Suriaty told Utusan Malaysia. "This experience is invaluable and should be considered when producers make offers."

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I'm sad when I hear my seniors are getting offers that are very demoralizing. We have to fight for our own price, so it's not fun, and I hope producers can consider this.

She emphasized that seasoned performers often bring efficiency and professionalism to sets, understanding production rhythms and requiring minimal direction. "We work fast, don't cause trouble, and know what needs to be done," she explained, noting that some scenes can be completed with just one or two takes. "We can also work with all age groups and adapt easily."

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For example, because we've been in the industry for a long time. We understand discipline and usually, old people work fast, don't trouble people, and know what needs to be done.

While Suriaty is personally satisfied with her current pay, her primary concern is that her peers receive fair compensation. She urged new production managers and producers to research an artist's background and achievements before extending offers. "Don't make offers that don't make sense," she advised, stressing the importance of recognizing an artist's career and contributions.

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New production managers, please check the background of the artists before making calls. You don't know their achievements, you don't know the work they've done, so don't make unreasonable offers when offering work.