Veteran actress Ieda Moin laments low pay, poor conditions for experienced actors

Veteran Malaysian actress Ieda Moin has voiced her frustration with the industry's treatment of experienced performers, highlighting a significant pay disparity. The 47-year-old, who has been acting since 1996, revealed she was once offered a mere RM500 for a one-hour drama episode. "I asked the Production Manager how long they had been in the industry," she recounted, emphasizing that established actors have their own rate cards.

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I asked the Production Manager how long they had been in the industry?

Moin expressed sadness that some artists accept such low rates, which she believes "kills" the market value for others. She noted that the roles offered for such low pay were often substantial, sometimes involving 10 scenes. "I can't accept that price because it ruins the market. It feels like we are under their feet," she stated, contrasting this with new actors who can command RM4,000 to RM5,000 per day or episode.

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I can't accept that price because it ruins the market. It feels like we are under their feet.

Beyond pay, Moin also lamented the deteriorating working conditions. Previously, productions provided costumes and covered travel expenses. Now, actors must supply their own attire and manage their own transport costs, often with restrictions on what they can wear. "We want to work in a happy and appreciated environment," she said, stressing that despite these changes, she maintains her professional discipline by always arriving on set on time.

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We want to work in a happy and appreciated environment.