The Permaisuri of Johor Raja Zarith Sofiah Idris Shah has warned the public to refrain from misusing gifts coming from the Johor Palace to gain popularity on social media.
This comes after a TikTok user who goes by the name “shafeqyahya” uploaded videos showing off gifts that were identified to be from the Johor royal family’s official residence in Istana Bukit Serene on the social media platform.
These include chains, pendants, gold coins, a set of pens, Islamic prayer beads and traditional Malay costumes.
In a statement posted on the Royal Johor Facebook page on Tuesday (19 April), Raja Zarith denied knowing the owner of the TikTok account.
“I know the gifts and it is actually a gift to some senior state government officers as a sincere appreciation for their services.”
“I do not know who this ‘shafeqyahya’ is and I suspect the pictures of the gifts are being misused to gain followers and popularity on social media, by seemingly having a close relationship with the Johor Royal family,” Her Majesty added.
Raja Zarith also decreed that a police report would be lodged to investigate whether there was an element of abuse or disguise as a Johor government officer.
Meanwhile, the TikTok account “shafeqyahya” has since been deleted and no longer accessible by the public.
