Malaysia’s Ramli M.S. urges cash prizes in ringgit for participants

KUALA LUMPUR, 4 OCTOBER 2026 —

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 4 (Utusan) – Renowned musician and maestro Datuk Ramli M.S has called on the sponsors of the television program Kilauan Emas Selebriti to provide cash prizes for participants in future seasons, stating that the current lack of monetary rewards is disproportionate to the effort required by the contestants.

Ramli noted that the contestants struggle significantly to perform, singing two to three songs every week. He stated that providing a cash prize would at least alleviate the burden on participants who are working hard to succeed in the program. "I understand, they (participants) fight to the end, singing two or three songs for every week," he said.

"This program is good for actors who have not appeared on television for a while, but at least provide a prize (cash) for them."

The maestro further elaborated on his concerns regarding the participants' sacrifices. "I respect the sincerity of the participants who sacrifice their costs, time, and clothing every week. It should be commensurate," Ramli said. He clarified that his comments were not directed at the broadcaster, Astro, and hoped they would not be misunderstood. "For the first time, I heard that this competition does not provide a cash prize.

At least provide something commensurate with their efforts," he added.

Kilauan Emas Selebriti, which closed its curtains yesterday, crowned Datuk Jalaludin Hassan as the champion of the competition. Datuk Ahmad Tarmimi Sarigar secured the position of runner-up, while Zila Bakarin took third place. The competition also saw Fazlina Ahmad Daud finish in fourth place, Amyza Aznan in fifth place, and Rahim Omar in sixth place.

The program, which aired on Astro, has been a platform for established actors to showcase their musical talents. Ramli’s comments highlight a broader discussion within the Malaysian entertainment industry regarding the value of television appearances and the compensation provided to veteran artists. As the industry continues to evolve, the balance between promotional value and financial reward for participants remains a point of contention for many in the sector.

Ramli’s intervention in the discourse underscores the importance of recognizing the professional contributions of artists, particularly those who have dedicated their careers to the performing arts. His call for cash prizes is seen as a reasonable request given the physical and financial demands placed on the contestants.

The final episode of Kilauan Emas Selebriti marked the end of a season that featured a lineup of prominent Malaysian actors, each bringing their unique style and experience to the stage.

The reaction to Ramli’s statements is expected to influence future discussions between broadcasters and sponsors regarding the structure of talent competitions. While the primary goal of such programs is often entertainment and audience engagement, the welfare of the participants is also a significant consideration.

Ramli’s remarks serve as a reminder that the success of a television program depends not only on its production quality but also on the fair treatment of the individuals who bring it to life.

As the entertainment landscape in Malaysia continues to shift, with digital platforms and traditional television competing for audience attention, the role of live performance and talent shows remains vital. The outcome of the Kilauan Emas Selebriti competition, with Datuk Jalaludin Hassan emerging as the winner, demonstrates the high level of talent and dedication present in the Malaysian acting community.

The subsequent rankings, including the performances of Datuk Ahmad Tarmimi Sarigar, Zila Bakarin, Fazlina Ahmad Daud, Amyza Aznan, and Rahim Omar, reflect the competitive nature of the event.

Ramli’s suggestion for cash prizes is likely to be taken into consideration by the organizers and sponsors for upcoming seasons. The hope is that future iterations of the program will offer rewards that are more aligned with the efforts and sacrifices made by the participants. This development could set a precedent for other similar programs in the region, encouraging a more equitable approach to compensating artists and performers.

The conclusion of Kilauan Emas Selebriti leaves the audience with a sense of appreciation for the performances delivered by the contestants. The final concert served as a culmination of the participants' hard work and dedication throughout the season. As the industry moves forward, the insights provided by figures like Ramli M.S will continue to shape the standards and expectations for television productions in Malaysia.

Related: Astro · Ramli M.S. · Kuala Lumpur