Malaysian actress Maya Karin had a terrifying near-drowning experience 16 years ago while filming the 2008 fantasy romantic comedy Duyung. In a recent interview with mStar, comedian Saiful Apek recalled the chilling incident, which happened when Maya’s wig got tangled in a fishing net during an underwater scene.
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Saiful, who was diving at the time, noticed Maya, 44, in distress. “I was trying to use up the last bit of oxygen in my tank when I saw her struggling with the net. It was clear she wasn’t acting; she looked like she was really drowning,” Saiful, now 55, explained.
Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Saiful swam to her aid, helping her break free from the net. However, Maya struggled to breathe due to the plastic bottles floating around, making the rescue even more difficult. “I had to pull her away from the bottles so she could finally breathe and scream for help,” he added.
Though the incident only lasted about five minutes, it left a lasting impact on both Maya and Saiful. The comedian admitted it was traumatic and expressed surprise that Maya was willing to return for the upcoming sequel, Duyung Lagenda Aurora. “Her screams made everyone panic. I never told anyone about this before, and I’m shocked she’s willing to act in the sequel. If it were me, I’d probably have a phobia by now,” he shared.
Duyung Lagenda Aurora, which stars Maya alongside Anna Jobling, Ayie Elham, and Nadia Brian, is set to begin filming on September 13, 2024, with a release expected in late 2025.
