Malaysian entrepreneur couple criticized for cat birthday celebration at Louis Vuitton store

The cat Money of Haliza Maysuri and her husband Mohd Rosli Awang on Money’s seventh birthday at the Louis Vuitton store at the Gardens Mall in Kuala Lumpur. Photo from Maysuri's Instagram

Critics called the event extravagant and suggested the money could have been spent better on other things.

The entrepreneur couple organized the celebration for their cat, Money, at the Louis Vuitton store in Kuala Lumpur's Gardens Mall. The event included a birthday cake presented by staff and a birthday song, according to The Straits Times.

On May 10, Maysuri posted photos and videos on Instagram showing Money dressed in a grey Swarovski crystal-studded dress designed by Malaysian designer Rizalman Ibrahim. Maysuri expressed her affection for Money, writing, "Alhamdulillah, our child is seven today. Happy birthday Money... Mama, papa prayed that Money lives long with health and intelligence." She also referred to Money as their "youngest child."

The celebration included the purchase of a Louis Vuitton collar with the letter 'M' costing over RM3,000 (US$634) and a custom-made pouch featuring Money’s illustration.

While some Malaysians wished the cat a happy birthday and praised the owners' affection, others criticized the couple for perceived wastefulness.

Haliza Maysuri and her husband Mohd Rosli Awang celebrated their cat Money’s seventh birthday at the Louis Vuitton store at the Gardens Mall in Kuala Lumpur. Photo from Maysuri's Instagram

"While all eyes are on Rafah, you rich people (are) busy celebrating a cat’s birthday, not sensitive," one netizen remarked, referring to the southern Gazan city involved in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

An Instagram user commented: "Why don’t you spend that money on your poor people? You are wasting your money."

A TikTok user added, "I hope you can help the stray cats who need funds and food to live a good life."

Previously, in August 2023, Maysuri made headlines by claiming to have bought a BMW for Money, later revealing it was a promotional strategy for Bawal Exclusive, according to AsiaOne.

The brand is known for creating the world's most expensive headscarf, priced at RM100,000 ($21,132), according to Yahoo! News.