Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) is an annual event celebrating the Malaysian fashion industry.
For aspiring models, walking at the local fashion show means exposure to important people in the industry and a higher chance of making it onto the runways of world-class designers.
As most people know, the fashion industry is also a cut-throat one.
Models, especially new ones, would do almost anything to succeed, and are prone to exploitation.
A TikTok video showing Alicia Amin, a Malaysian model and advocate protesting at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur yesterday, has gone viral.
In the 20-second clip shared by @yelamango, the ballsy 27-year-old can be seen holding up a white placard as she demands justice for the models of years past who have not been paid.
“Those still waiting for Andrew’s payment from previous years, come speak to me,” the text reads.
Andrew Tan is the founder of KLFW and has been in the spotlight recently due to accusations of not paying models.
Speaking at the media launch of KLFW 2022, he cited compensation delays on the client side as one of the reasons for backdated payments.
Alicia also called for all models of this year’s KLFW to be paid within the day.
In an interview with Sinar Daily, Alicia highlighted that payment issues usually get swept under the carpet because anyone who makes a fuss risk losing favour.
“Those who keep quiet and just silently wait for it will get more work opportunities, but the money owed will eventually accumulate,” she said.
Netizens praise the model
Online, netizens praise Alicia for her courage in fighting for the models’ rights to receive payment.
“Good job Alicia. Courage for those in the right,” said one netizen.
Additionally, netizens have taken to Twitter to share their thoughts and opinions.
“Some models, photographers and event crews from previous KLFW events are also yet to receive payment – some even dating three years back.”
“That’s why they are recruiting new models every year, don’t be fooled.”
Alicia clears the air
On why she was protesting alone, the model said, “I’m alone because I don’t want to risk anyone else’s career or reputation.”
She also highlighted her relatively privileged position as someone who has been modelling for 12 years and has long and good relationships with local designers.
“I can disagree and protest against terrible paymasters and still support my beloved designers who built my career because these two entities are not the same,” she said in an Instagram story post.
“I do this because I remember how scary and isolating it was as a young freelancer trying to balance getting what’s rightfully mine and the opportunity to be booked again,” she added.
Watch the full video below:
@yelamango
Mad respect to Alicia for doing the right thing! We hope everyone affected by the payment issues gets the justice they deserve.
Also read: M’sian Girl Asked To Have Sex With Casting Agent To Be Selected As Model
