When 19-year-old Danial became the first Malaysian to get his hands on the iPhone 17 Pro Max at Apple Store TRX on launch day, it should have been a dream-come-true moment.
But instead of congratulations, he found himself bombarded with comments accusing him of using study loans recklessly, having rich parents, or wasting money on gadgets.
Now, his friend has spoken up to set the record straight.
‘He earned it, stop assuming things’
In a lengthy Instagram story, Danial’s best friend clarified that he has known Danial since 2013 and that buying the latest iPhone had always been his dream because he’s been an Apple fan since young.
He told WeirdKaya that he had been using his iPhone 13 Pro Max for the past four years and has now decided to upgrade.
Stop saying he used PTPTN loan or spent money recklessly. Bro was a straight A+ SPM student holding a full scholarship for computer science overseas. He never even applied for PTPTN,” the friend wrote.
He added that Danial earns extra income from videography and even creates YouTube content, funding every gadget he owns with his own savings and hard work.
Queued overnight just to be the first
On launch day, Danial queued at TRX from midnight till 8am, accompanied by his friend, to secure the first spot.
It meant so much to him. Every cent came from his own efforts. He earned it,” the friend said, adding that critics would not have reacted the same way if the first buyer was a foreigner, like last year.
Why they queued so early
The friend also told WeirdKaya that both of them initially didn’t realise pre-order customers didn’t need to queue with walk-ins.
They arrived at 3am thinking Apple would open a separate line for pre-orders but later learned it would only start at 6am.
We were worried someone else might line up earlier. Last year, a foreigner from Vietnam became the first buyer in Malaysia, so we wanted to make sure a local person got it this time,” the friend said.
Eventually, at 5:45am, they showed the QR code for the pre-order at the first floor and officially became the first in line.
The friend also clarified one question from netizens — how Danial managed to perform his Subuh prayer while queuing.
I held the spot for him because I’m a non-Muslim, so it wasn’t an issue. He even informed the person in charge before going to pray,” the friend added.
‘Mind your own business’
The friend, speaking to WeirdKaya, also urged people to respect individual choices.
Buying an iPhone doesn’t mean supporting any politics. Tech is global and connected everywhere. It’s his money, his choice, his excitement.”
At the end of the day, the friend said, Danial saved for it, queued for it, and deserves to enjoy the moment without unnecessary hate.
@weirdkayamy POV: You’re the first person to buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max in Malaysia 🎉🤳 #fyp #iphone #iphone17promax #apple #malaysia ♬ original sound – WeirdKaya
