Life has taken Malaysian actor Taiyuddin Bakar on a journey he probably never imagined. Once recognised for his role in the action-comedy film Apa Celop Toqq… and his memorable catchphrase “Apa Celop Toq”, the 43-year-old now earns a living selling nasi berlauk alongside his wife.
After years of navigating life's challenges and working to support his family, Taiyuddin is preparing for a very different journey, one that will take him to the Holy Land to perform umrah.
The opportunity came through the Tabung Infak Umrah Surau Al-Barakah Menara Kembar Bank Rakyat, in collaboration with Ikhlas Com Travel Sdn Bhd (ikhlas.com). Taiyuddin has been selected as one of five recipients of an umrah pilgrimage under the initiative, with the news delivered to him in an unexpected way.
A Social Experiment That Turned Into a Life-Changing Surprise
What Taiyuddin thought was an ordinary encounter with people selling goods turned out to be something much more meaningful.
The ikhlas.com production crew had initially planned a social experiment, approaching the former actor while posing as vendors. The encounter eventually led to the revelation that he had been chosen to perform umrah through the charitable initiative.
For Taiyuddin, who has experienced his share of difficulties while building a life with his family, the announcement marked an emotional moment and an opportunity to fulfil a deeply personal aspiration.
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| Taiyuddin Bakar with ikhlas.com production crew |
From Acting to Selling Nasi Berlauk
Behind Taiyuddin's journey is a story of perseverance, family and the determination to keep moving forward despite difficult circumstances.
Together with his wife, Norzazila Zulkafli, also 43, he has worked through various challenges while finding ways to earn a living. Their entrepreneurial journey began with Norzazila's talent for crocheting kopiah, the traditional Muslim skullcap.
The income from selling the handmade items eventually helped the couple venture into the food business, with Norzazila choosing to sell nasi berlauk from their car.
“We have both gone through many challenges. My wife is good at crocheting the kopiah. So, this is where we started our business. From the proceeds of the sales, my wife and I started this nasi berlauk business, and my wife chose to run the business from the car.”
Today, their nasi berlauk business operates around the Klang Valley and has become one of the family's main sources of income. Beyond supporting their household, the couple also takes pride in making affordable meals available to customers.
Their story reflects how a modest business, built through hard work and persistence, can provide a way forward when circumstances change.
An Emotional Moment Ahead of His Journey to the Holy Land
For Taiyuddin, being selected to perform umrah is more than an opportunity to travel. It is a spiritual journey that carries deep personal significance.
His reaction to the announcement captured just how much the opportunity meant to him.
“Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, Ya Allah, I am coming. I miss Rasulullah,” said Taiyuddin.
He will be travelling alongside four other recipients selected through the Tabung Infak Umrah Surau Al-Barakah Menara Kembar Bank Rakyat initiative.
The group will join another 10 pilgrims under the Umrah 1000 Asnaf programme, whose journeys are fully sponsored by ikhlas.com.
Together, the 15 pilgrims are scheduled to undertake a nine-day, seven-night umrah journey, with the travel dates stated as 19 to 26 October 2026.
Helping More Malaysians Fulfil Their Umrah Aspirations
Taiyuddin's selection is part of ikhlas.com's efforts to identify suitable individuals who can benefit from the Tabung Infak Umrah initiative.
Established in October 2020, ikhlas.com is Capital A's Islamic digital platform, offering umrah and Muslim-friendly travel solutions alongside Shariah-compliant services including zakat, qurban, aqiqah, sadaqah and fidyah.
Built around the principles of amanah, transparency and service excellence, the platform aims to make Islamic obligations and journeys more accessible and easier to manage for the Muslim community.
For Taiyuddin, the upcoming pilgrimage marks another meaningful chapter in a life that has already seen him move from the entertainment industry to running a small food business with his wife.
And while his familiar catchphrase may still remind Malaysians of his acting days, this next chapter is about something far more personal: the opportunity to visit the Holy Land and fulfil a spiritual aspiration.
