IPOH: Popular YouTube cookery channel 'Sugu Pavithra', which had garnered almost 800,000 subscribers and even gained the attention of Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, has had all its content deleted.
Until earlier today, the channel featured nearly 100 videos of cooking demonstrations and glimpses into the life of Perak couple, S. Pavithra, 28 and M. Sugu, 29.
Their most recent video – documenting a trip to Sunway City in Kuala Lumpur – was posted last week.
It is not immediately clear why the channel's content was removed, and by whom.
The couple began their YouTube channel as recently as Jan 28 this year, but they quickly gained a following and were soon an online sensation.
They were awarded a Silver Play button by YouTube after amassing 100,00 subscribers, and were well on their way to clinching the Gold Play button, which is handed to channels with over 1 million followers.
The duo were even mentioned by Muhyiddin in his nationally-televised speech announcing the Penjana Economic Recovery Plan on June 5; and they eventually met with the Prime Minister in Putrajaya. They had earlier received a surprise gift from Muhyiddin, comprising a camera tripod, microwave oven, conventional oven, rice cooker and cooking essentials.
On July 20, Pavithra was awarded the Ipoh City Icon by the city's mayor.
But their success and fame abruptly hit a wall when Sugu was arrested for allegedly attacking and hitting Pavithra in Ipoh on July 21. The assault was apparently triggered by Sugu's dissatisfaction over not being mentioned by his wife in her acceptance speech for the Ipoh recognition.
Sugu was charged at the Ipoh Sessions Court with possession of an offensive weapon and hurting his wife. He pleaded 'not guilty' to both charges.
Yesterday, after keeping mum about her husband's arrest, Pavithra broke her silence, saying she had forgiven her husband for hurting her.
She also said that they were declining all forms of recognition and honour, saying that they are simply "ordinary people" undeserving of fame, and simply want to live their lives out of the spotlight.