Comedian Saiful Apek (left) and actress Maya Karin experienced a traumatic incident while filming the 2008 movie, 'Duyung'. Photos: Saiful Apek/Instagram, Maya Karin/Instagram
Malaysian actress Maya Karin nearly drowned at sea while filming the 2008 fantasy romcom, Duyung,16 years ago.
In a recent interview with mStar, The Star’s Malay-language news portal, comedian Saiful Apek said the incident occurred after Maya’s wig got caught in a fishing net.
As the story goes, Saiful was diving underwater when he noticed Maya, 44, struggling.
“I was trying to finish the remaining oxygen in my tank when I saw her struggling with the net. It wasn’t acting because she really looked like she was drowning,” the 55-year-old said.
Realising something was wrong, Saiful swam to her and helped pull her to the surface. However, Maya wasn’t able to breathe properly due to many plastic bottles scattered around.
“I had to pull her to where there were no plastic bottles. It was only then was she able to breathe and scream,” he said.
Saiful, whose real name is Muhammad Saiful Azam Mohamed Yusoff, said although the incident lasted five minutes, it left both of them traumatised.
He also expressed surprise that the award-winning actress was still willing to return for a sequel, titled Duyung Lagenda Aurora.
“Her screams made everyone panic. This is something I never revealed.
“I’m shocked that Maya is willing to act in this sequel because if it were me, I’d probably have a phobia already,” he said.
Duyung Lagenda Aurora, which will begin production on Sept 13, is expected to be released in the third quarter of 2025. The movie also stars Anna Jobling, Ayie Elham and Nadia Brian.
