Bubble tea chain Chatime was partly the reason why TV personality Neelofa and newly wedded husband Harris Ismail were spotted on holiday island Langkawi shortly after their wedding.
Chatime group managing director Aliza Ali said last night that the couple had arrived on the island following police approval, noting that the trip was part of a collaboration linked to its new store openings. Aliza’s statement came after speculation spread online that the couple was allegedly breaching COVID-19 regulations by traveling across states to Langkawi for their honeymoon.
“Neelofa and Muhammad Harris will be in Sungai Petani, Langkawi, and Kangar to help open new Chatime outlets here,” Aliza said in her statement. Around the same time, Neelofa posted a photo of Chatime drinks to her Instagram with the caption “can’t wait.”
The police also confirmed to reporters yesterday that the company had given Neelofa’s name and three others as part of the purported work visit to the island.
“The company has given us the names of Neelofa and three others who will visit the site of new Chatime franchises,” Brickfields police representative Basri Sagoni said.
Neelofa, whose real name is Noor Neelofa Mohd Noor, tied the knot with Muslim preacher Harris on Saturday at the Grand Hyatt in Kuala Lumpur. That wedding is under police probe for possibly breaching coronavirus safety protocols.
The 32-year-old entrepreneur has collaborated with the bubble tea company in the past, promoting seasonal desserts like milk tea ice-cream and banana-flavored milk tea.
Some were still skeptical about the couple’s post-wedding island trip even after statements were issued by the police and Chatime.
“Who believes anything anymore. Who wants to work one day after their wedding day?” Twitter user @Zaimhq said.
“Looks like Chatime sponsored their honeymoon,” actress Shamaine Othman said.
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