KUALA LUMPUR: Influencer and entrepreneur Syed Muhammad Syah Hasif Syed Othman has received a warning from Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor, regarding his gift of a bejeweled RM12,000 telekung he gifted his wife.
However, the 32-year-old said he was not offended , but rather took the advice positively because it comes from a respected religious figure.
"We've seen the Mufti give warnings to some of my artist friends and others. Never did I think that I'd be on the same boat, so it was a surprise.
"But I appreciate the advice because I see it as constructive as it reminds us to be vigilant against arrogance and vanity.
"I will try to better myself, and avoid being arrogant because I don't want to have to answer for it in the afterlife," he said when contacted by Harian Metro.
According to Syed Muhammad Syah Hasif, what was shared on TikTok was just a glimpse into his daily life and meant to be kept as memories.
The father of two also did not expect what he shared would go viral and be on the receiving end of many critical reactions.
"What I've been sharing all this while is just to show how to build a harmonious household and share with others out there on how to appreciate their partners.
"The gift of the telekung wasn't meant to show off but it is how I appreciate my wife. But I understand, different people, different perspectives.
"For me, anyone can give gifts to their partners according to their ability and it doesn't necessarily have to be expensive.
"My wife understands and doesn't think I'm trying to show off because she knows me well. In fact, she even loves wearing the telekung I gave her that day."
The New Straits Times had also reported the story of Syed Muhammad Syah Hasif who was willing to spend RM12,000 to produce a telekung adorned with 5,000 Swarovski crystals.
He sewed the telekung himself.
The story gained a lot of attention after he uploaded a video on his TikTok account showing him sewing and surprising his wife, Fatin Syazwani Ishak, 26.
The sharing of the video caught the attention of Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor, who advised him on focusing on religious obligations and not to waste time with arrogance and feelings that could taint and diminish one's ibadah.
