Influencer questioned over ‘bunian-themed’ birthday party

KOTA BARU: A Kelantan entrepreneur and social media influencer has been called in by religious authorities over a RM500,000 ‘Perkampungan Bunian’ (village of supernatural being in the Malay folklore) themed birthday celebration for her daughters.

A source said the 34-year-old woman was called in by the state Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jaheaik) to provide a statement over the event, which is believed to have been scrutinised for elements deemed inconsistent with Islamic teachings.

The entrepreneur arrived at the department’s office at Kompleks Balai Islam here about noon.

The birthday celebration, held at her residence in Tumpat recently, went viral on social media after videos and photographs of the event were widely shared online.

The celebration was organised to mark the birthday of her three daughters and featured a “Perkampungan Bunian” theme inspired by mythical supernatural films.

Members of the family were seen dressed entirely in white to resemble a “bunian family”, while guests also adhered to the theme by wearing white attire.

The event was further enlivened by mascots dressed as ghost-like characters, which became one of the main attractions for guests.

The entrepreneur also shared details of the celebration on her social media platforms.

In a video posted online, she jokingly remarked that unlike the previous year, her children did not request a luxury vehicle as a birthday gift.

“This year, they don’t want a car. They want a truckload of Pop Mart,” she said.

She also presented her three children with a box containing RM100,000 in cash, explaining that the money was specifically intended for them to purchase Pop Mart collectibles of their choice.

Last year, the entrepreneur drew attention after reportedly gifting one of her children a luxury Vellfire vehicle along with several other expensive presents.

The recent celebration sparked public debate and criticism, prompting comments from Kelantan Mufti Datuk Mohamad Shukri Mohamad.

He described the use of a bunian-themed concept for a birthday celebration as inappropriate from an Islamic perspective.

He said such actions could be viewed as a form of ingratitude for failing to place the blessings bestowed by Allah in their proper context and advised Muslims to avoid themes or practices that could be associated with superstition or beliefs contrary to Islamic teachings.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

المصدر: New Straits Times