KUALA LUMPUR: Influencer Acap S, 29, cried thinking of his mother when he lost to Ryan Bakery for the Best National Comedy Influencer category at the KNKV Viral Awards 2024, yesterday.
Acap S, whose real name is Mohammad Asraf Jaafar, said he hoped the win would be a gift to his family, especially his mother Jamilah Ahmad who is facing health problems.
"My mother saw me on TV that night and had expected me to bring home the trophy early on, but it didn't turn out that way.
"I cried thinking of that since other family members were also hoping for me to win.
"I'm also feeling down as I couldn't present the victory to my wife, Nur Adriana Syazwani Asrul Affendi, and the fans who voted for me from the beginning.
"They were so determined to help out with the voting, but I hope everyone will calm down and we'll try again another time," he said in a Harian Metro report today.
Despite his defeat, Acap S — who hails from Gerik, Perak — is still happy for his good friend Ryan.
"I was happy when Ryan's name was announced as the winner even though I was sad at the same time by my defeat.
"This is my first appearance in the country's entertainment industry.
"It's true that I came with very high hopes to win. But it doesn't matter, this is my first experience together with a group of the country's top influencers, so that's a joy already," he said.
Others nominated in the category were We Xiang Tan, Ikhmal Nour and Imran Bard.
Acap S first became known through the Bigo Live application before transitioning into a TikTok celebrity.
He has also been involved in several local dramas and films such as Muliakah Aku, Keluarga Kamil, Siti Supir and Jiwa 18.
He explained that he will have to think about taking on acting offers since he is currently living in Gerik and caring for his mother.
"Nothing makes me happier than being able to take care of my mother. Since my late father left us almost a decade ago, I am the one who looks after her. I make sure everything is prepared for her before I leave for work.
"If there are acting offers, I would want to be active again since it has been a long-time interest of mine. If possible, I would like to play a funny role because that's what I'm interested in.
"But I'm happy to be able to entertain followers every time I go live on TikTok, so don't forget to follow me," said the father of one.
Other winners during the KNKV Viral Awards 2024 event, which took place at Zepp KL and was aired live on TV2, were Datuk M. Nasir (Viral Laureate Song), Beto Kusyairi (Viral Laureate Actor), Adrian Teh (Viral Laureate Film Director), Alif Satar (Viral Laureate Influencer) and Aina Abdul (Ultimate Diva Award).