Sugar daddies have become exceedingly popular in Malaysia. According to a sugar dating site, SeekingArrangement, we are ranked third in Asia.
Another app, Sugarbook which is for sugar babies, released the top 10 Malaysian universities with sugar babies. Sunway University was ranked first and surprisingly, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) also made the list.
Sunway University released a statement shortly after the report came out. They claimed they were “disappointed” as it “challenges the moral fabric” of the community and the youth. Elizabeth Lee, the university’s rep, added “We condemn their attempts to encourage youth to partake in immorality, normalise this notion and disregard the mental health impact this causes.”
According to Sugarbook however, they linked the rise of sugar babies among college and Uni students to the current economic downturn. Some, in response to Sunway’s statement, remarked that the university’s fees could be a reason why they topped the list. Whatever the reason, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has opened an investigation on Sugarbook.
The chairman of MCMC, Dr. Fadhlullah Suhaimi Abdul Malek stated that currently they are investigating if the app is registered in Malaysia or simply being used locally. Any actions taken by them will be based on the 1998 Communications and Multimedia Act. He also stated that if evidence of prostitution is found, the matter will be handed to the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM).
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Ahmad Marzuk Shaary said the app should be blocked as it could lead to immoral activities. He expressed that the government was concerned with the rumour of students using the app to make money for their tuition fees.
“This is something that is very sad for us. The application should be prevented from being used in our country as it encourages people to do things that are not right and violate the laws including Syariah law,” he stated.
While he opined that the government should take action against those involved, he added that they are leaving the matter to the MCMC and the Ministry of Higher Education.
Sources: Coconuts KL, Lowyat.net, The Edge Markets, New Straits Times
