KUALA LUMPUR, August 22 — Actor Hairul Azreen has announced his retirement from acting at the age of 35.

Best known for his role in 2018's Paskal (2018), Hairul the surprise announcement in an interview over radio show 3 Pagi Era, yesterday.

The Ada Hantu actor who was promoting his upcoming new military film Malbatt: Misi Bakara had revealed that it was his last outing.

"I started from being in stunts. Then I became a film actor, I prayed that I could be a hero in a film and God answered my prayers and now I’m an action hero.

"Malbatt: Misi Bakara will be my last film as a soldier,” he said.

He said that he is content with everything he has done so far from being a member of the production crew to being a stuntman to directing and producing his own films and he would like to end his acting journey with something he could be proud of.

He added that another reason for him calling it quits is to focus more time with his family especially on his two children, Yusuf Iskandar, 6, and Alisa Aisyah, 3.

"I needed six months to build up my physique whenever I’m in a film. Six times a week, in the morning, afternoon and in the evening.

"Suddenly I’ve realised that my kids have grown, they have started school and I missed the chance to experience that on my own. Now that I’ve got what I wanted, I’m satisfied with all that I’ve done,” he said.

Hairul also said although he will no longer be acting, he will still remain active on social media and will also be focusing his business with his wife, Hanis Zalikha.

Apart from Malbatt: Misi Bakara, Hairul also shared that he might be appearing in Syamsul Yusof’s upcoming film Original Gangster which was said to be premiering some time next year.

Hairul shared that he tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of his left knee while filming for the movie which resulted in him unable to continue with the rest of the production.