Fast food chain, govt not responsible for tahfiz students’ attendance at concert - Businessman

SHAH ALAM – Amidst the recent viral controversy surrounding a music festival that took place last Saturday at the Stadium Melawati in Shah Alam, a businessman has come forward to claim responsibility for the confusion.

The concert, which Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated, went viral on social media after videos were circulated which showed a group of tahfiz students were among the front-row audience of the entertainment event.

Businessman Andrie Ung Han Xiang in a statement clarified that the initiative was purely his and neither the local fast food chain nor the government was involved or were informed about it.

"This initiative was solely mine, driven by a sincere desire to give underprivileged orphaned children a chance to experience the festival's joy together.

"With the support of friends, I successfully brought around 700 children from 22 orphanages across the country to join in," Andrie stated in the statement.

However, he said that his intention was straightforward, which was to share the festival's festivities among the children including activities like a 'bouncing castle.'

He said that he was informed that Malaysia's top singer Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza and Bunga would perform, who were dressed modestly.

The event’s theme aimed for inclusivity among all Malaysians, he said.

"The children in green robes and white turbans are Rohingya refugee children, Muslims who communicate minimally in Malay.

“Our aim is only to entertain them because Islam itself does not disregard their borders or immigration status.

"We hope authorities and those deeply connected to their Islamic faith can consider these children's welfare beyond words."

Andrie also emphasised that the invitation to the orphaned children was sincere and aimed to foster understanding and inclusivity regardless of background.

He added that he was saddened by the dissatisfaction expressed by those affected by the issue.

Since the issue went viral on social media, users called for a boycott of the fast food chain for the action deemed insulting.