Viral Qur'an Memorisation Challenge for Alcohol Prize: MC Clarifies and Apologises

Following the circulation of a video showing a challenge to memorise a surah from the Al-Quran in exchange for alcoholic beverages at a music event last weekend, the master of ceremonies (MC) has finally spoken out. Through an Instagram account that has since been deactivated, he issued a public apology. “I, Ega, as the MC at the music event on duty at the Newport booth on Sunday, 9 August 2026, hereby apologise for the incident that occurred at that time,” the statement read. In his post, Ega also provided a full explanation regarding the details of the incident. He stated that he was interacting with visitors during a break in the music event. “During the break, I was interacting with visitors. Then an audience member wearing a white top suddenly took over my mic,” he said. According to the MC, the visitor then held a competition for other visitors to recite one of the surahs in the Al-Quran, namely Ad-Duha, with a prize offered by the visitor. Ega admitted his negligence for not immediately interrupting and taking back the microphone from the visitor. “When I realised the competition was being announced, I was negligent in taking back the mic, as the MC has the duty and obligation to ensure the event runs according to the concept determined by the brand,” his statement continued. In his statement, the MC also emphasised that the brand had no connection to the incident. He also apologised for his negligence in failing to control the spontaneous action of the visitor at the alcoholic beverage booth. “Once again, I personally express my apologies for not being able to control the spontaneous action of the audience member, which caused a commotion. This incident will be a lesson for me as an MC, and I hope such a thing will not happen again,” he wrote.