Kelantan’s “crying contest”, where participants vie for the title of top weeper, has sparked backlash from those who believe the state’s “Serambi Mekah” (corridor of Mecca) image should not be reduced to a tearful talent show.
However, Kelantan state mufti Shukri Mohamad said any competition that does not cause harm or danger to participants is not prohibited in Islam.
Addressing criticisms at a press conference after videos of the event went viral, entrepreneur Wan Rahimie Syazrin Ab Rahim, 32, said the attractive prizes may have encouraged participants to cry more enthusiastically and perhaps the way they cried so passionately contributed to the videos going viral.
Wan Rahimie’s (above) company was one of the main sponsors of the expo in Kota Bharu, where the competition was held.
He said the competition drew 60 participants aged between 30 and 70, with a similar contest held for children.
“At first, we (main sponsors) provided cash prizes of RM100 to RM500. When too many wanted to join, some founders, like the owners of jewellery, cosmetics, and food shops, got excited and offered additional prizes.
“As a result, we received extra prizes such as gold rings worth thousands of ringgit and many other big prizes,” Harian Metro quoted him as saying.
He added that this was not their first crying competition, but the third time they organised it as a unique way to attract the public to their programme.
“The crying competition was first spontaneously suggested by my wife last year.
“This event is unique and interesting. Therefore, we will continue it at other events we participate in.
“It is a family-oriented event… However, I apologise if the event caused any discomfort, and we will improve it in the future,” he added. - Mkini
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