Khairul Amin Kamarulzaman or better known as Khairul Aming is an emerging influencer and has been making significant strides in the digital realm. Many may already be acquainted with his highly sought-after creation, the "Sambal Nyet," a product that consistently sells out on the popular e-commerce platform, Shopee. Having initially gained traction through his Instagram cooking videos a few years ago, Khairul Aming swiftly amassed a substantial following due to his delightful and easy-to-follow recipes, which he generously shared on a daily basis during the sacred month of Ramadan. As time progressed, he successfully transitioned into an influential figure and a budding entrepreneur, evident from the staggering revenue of over RM21.5 million his Sambal Nyet venture generated over the past two years. This remarkable accomplishment openly showcased on his social media platforms, has positioned him as an inspiration to aspiring young entrepreneurs in Malaysia, transcending the boundaries of race and religion.
However, even in the realm of fame, one cannot escape the scrutiny and discontent of others. Most recently, Mohamad Kamal Mohamed, the Ketua Pemuda PAS Kelantan, penned an open letter on Facebook addressed directly to Khairul Aming. Mohamad Kamal Mohamed expressed his disapproval of Khairul Aming's act of documenting his experience of purchasing Coldplay concert tickets, perceiving it as an implicit endorsement of the LGBTQ community. Within this heartfelt letter, he conveyed his offence and urged Khairul Aming, as a public figure, to consider the potential ramifications of his actions in perpetuating what he deemed an unfavourable cultural or societal practice, particularly among impressionable young individuals.
These instances of public reproach are not novel occurrences in Khairul Aming's journey. In the preceding month of Ramadan, consistent with his signature style, he shared his break-fasting and sahur recipes on social media. Among these posts, one particular video captured the attention of a social media doctor, who criticized Khairul Aming's recipe selection due to its heavy reliance on cooking oil. The doctor argued against the health implications of frying and implored Khairul Aming to exhibit greater sensitivity toward the concerns faced by many Malaysians.
Although the doctor eventually offered an apology following substantial backlash from other social media users, it is evident that certain individuals hold the conviction that influencers, including Khairul Aming, possess significant sway over a broad audience. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that issues related to the LGBTQ agenda and the utilization of cooking oil in culinary practices have been prevalent for an extensive duration, predating Khairul Aming's social media contributions.
Conversely, recent attention from renowned British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has proven to be a boon for Khairul Aming. Ramsay stitched together Khairul Aming's video showcasing the creation of a delectable Burnt Sugar Steamed Pudding, subsequently sharing it on his influential social media platform, adding that he would "be in Malaysia next week" at the end of his video. This coveted recognition from an international luminary further solidifies Khairul Aming's online presence.
In my opinion, instead of fixating on potential negative influences that may permeate younger generations, it would be more beneficial for us to celebrate and support our local talents, propelling them to global prominence. Rather than dwelling on doubts, let us equip our youth with a robust framework of moral and religious values, enabling them to navigate the complexities of right and wrong. As a united community, let us rally behind these young Malaysian trailblazers, fostering an environment that nurtures the growth of future luminaries akin to the likes of "Khairul Aming" and "Sofyan," individuals who can elevate our nation's reputation on the international stage.
Aliza M. is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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