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Late legend Tan Sri P Ramlee's son, Sazali P Ramlee, 68, said he has come to terms with the end of royalty payments from his father's extensive body of work
According to Harian Metro, the royalties, managed by the Music Authors Copyright Protection Berhad (MACP), ended in 2023 after a 50-year protection period.
Before the royalties lapsed, earnings from P Ramlee's songs were distributed to his heirs, including his wife, the late Puan Sri Saloma, until her passing in April 1983.
The payments were subsequently given to his only biological son, Nasir P Ramlee, who agreed to share the proceeds with several other heirs, including Sazali.
Following Nasir's death in November 2008, the heirs continued receiving the royalties until they ceased in 2023.
Prof Datuk Dr Wan Hashim Wan Teh and Sazali P Ramlee (left).
Image via Aizuddin Saad/Harian Metro"After no longer receiving royalties, I can't do anything but follow the law that has been set. Now, I surrender myself to God alone," Sazali said
He now relies on RM600 from the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and RM400 from Zakat to cover his living and medical expenses.
Sazali added that both he and his 64-year-old wife, Hamidah Hitam, suffer from chronic health conditions that require annual specialist treatment at a hospital in Cheras.
For each appointment, they rely on e-hailing services, carefully managing their limited funds to cover their expenses.
P Ramlee had ten children, including four adopted children, as well as two stepchildren from his previous marriage to his first wife, Junaidah Daeng Harris.
Learn more about P Ramlee's legacy in this SAYS Unpacked video below:
