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A GROWING fixation with social media attention is fuelling increasingly excessive Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations among a segment of Muslims, with observers warning that the festival’s spiritual meaning is being overshadowed by a culture of display and competition online.
Monitoring of digital platforms indicates that some individuals are going as far as renting luxury cars beyond their means simply to project status and impress others during the festive season.
At the same time, fashion trends have taken on more extreme forms, in some cases straying beyond the bounds of religious guidelines and the modesty traditionally associated with eastern cultural values.
Malaysia Cyber Consumers Association President Siraj Jalil said the phenomenon has become more pronounced as social media platforms evolve into arenas where users compete to showcase lavish lifestyles, inadvertently creating social pressure on others.
"This is not only a reflection of a culture of ostentation, but it can also lead to long-term financial burdens.
"What is more worrying is that it appears to be becoming a new norm in society, particularly among the younger generation exposed to social media influence," he said.
He stressed that Aidilfitri should be marked by moderation, gratitude and the strengthening of family ties, rather than being turned into a platform for seeking attention or validation online.
Siraj also criticised increasingly bold and excessive fashion choices, noting that some styles no longer align with religious expectations or broader norms of decency within eastern societies.
"All these extreme trends are shared on social media, becoming visible to the entire user base, and some are clearly intended to attract attention through such means.
"The culture of a ‘content-driven lifestyle’, motivated by the pursuit of ‘likes’ and ‘views’, is also contributing to changes in how society celebrates festivals," he said.
He urged users to treat social media as a space to share joy in a measured and positive manner, rather than as a tool to construct misleading perceptions of one’s life. - March 27, 2026
