Malaysian entrepreneur apologises for spending ‘only’ $300k on daughter’s 11th birthday

A Malaysian entrepreneur has come under fire after revealing that she spent RM1 million (S$303,300) to throw a lavish birthday party for her 11-year-old daughter, and apologised for not spending more.

Besides a celebration that featured balloons and cakes, Ms Farhana Zahra, who runs a beauty and dietary supplement business, also gave her daughter extravagant gifts.

Among them were an Apple computer, a Rolex watch, and a Toyota Vellfire multi-purpose vehicle.

“Forgive mama, this is all I could afford to give you. I only spent RM1 million for this birthday,” she posted in a June 3 TikTok video, which has since gone viral with over 2.2 million views.

She also wished that her daughter’s dream of becoming a businesswoman would come true.

The video opens with her, her husband and three daughters all dressed in matching black outfits descending a grand staircase.

They step onto a stage outside the house where they and the assembled guests sing Happy Birthday to her eldest daughter, whom she called Yaya, before the unveiling of the gifts.

Ms Farhana said Yaya’s wishes are granted on an almost daily basis, leaving her unsure of what else to give the little girl, adding that she hoped the “little gifts” would make her happy.

The video and Ms Farhana’s use of the word “only” to describe the amount she spent, did not go down well with netizens, who accused her of flaunting her wealth and trying to gain attention.

“Not to be rude, but trying very hard to show off,” a netizen with the handle Aiman said.

Another netizen, Mono, said: “That’s not the right way to raise a daughter... I think you’re overreacting and trying too hard.”

Others noted the impracticality of the gifts, especially the car, as the girl is still too young to drive.

“(I) need to know the logic of giving cars to a child... They can’t even drive, no they’re not even going to drive knowing they can afford (to hire) drivers,” said a netizen with the handle Njwa.

In another follow-up video, Ms Farhana also surprised her child’s former driver with a luxury car as a token of appreciation.