KUALA LUMPUR: Social media personality Dr Afifah Hidayah Ahmad Tawfek, 36, widely known as Dr Fie, has issued a public apology after drawing flak online for an allegedly insensitive reaction during a recent livestream.
The controversy erupted during a TikTok Live broadcast when she responded to a viewer’s comment about the late Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, a former pilot employed by her husband, entrepreneur Captain Amrul Nizar Anuar.
Captain Zainol tragically died in a helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Miri, Sarawak, on Sep 8 while still awaiting unpaid wages.
Taking to Threads to address the uproar, Dr Fie admitted she had erred in how the moment came across.
“I apologise for the mistake. I am not a perfect human being. I also have flaws,” she wrote, reminding critics that “behind the name currently being talked about is a human being with a heart, a family, and dignity to protect.”
Clarifying her viral reaction, she insisted she was not making light of the tragedy, explaining that her expression was purely out of shock at her husband’s off-the-cuff remark.
“I would never have the heart to laugh at a sensitive issue. I was simply shocked by Cap’s (Captain Amrul) spontaneous answer. No one is being spiteful. I feel sorry for the late Zainol’s wife,” she added.
Rather than trading barbs with her detractors, Dr Fie urged the public to exercise restraint and empathy online.
“I choose not to respond to hatred with hatred. May Allah protect our hearts from judging too quickly, and may we never be the reason someone is hurt by our words,” she said.
The issue of delayed pilot salaries at Captain Amrul’s company had previously been brought to light by the late pilot’s former wife.