Ustaz Budak (born 15 June 1988, Age: 35 years old), whose real name is Syamsul Zaman Sukri, is a Malaysian Islamic preacher who gained fame and notoriety for his unconventional and controversial style of preaching. He was known for his humorous and witty approach to religious topics, often using slang and colloquial expressions to appeal to the younger generation. He also had a large following on social media, especially on Instagram, where he posted videos and photos of his daily life and activities.
However, Ustaz Budak’s popularity also attracted criticism and controversy from various quarters, especially from the religious authorities and the mainstream media. He was accused of being disrespectful, deviant, and misleading in his teachings, as well as being involved in several scandals and criminal cases. He was eventually sentenced to prison for committing gross indecency with a man at a hotel in 2023.
Early Life and Education
Ustaz was born on 15 June 1988 in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. He was the youngest of four siblings. His father was a religious teacher and his mother was a housewife. He received his primary and secondary education at religious schools in Kelantan and Terengganu. He then pursued his tertiary education at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Heritage in 2012.
Ustaz Budak Wiki/Bio
| Name | Syamsul Zaman Sukri |
| Nickname | Ustaz Budak |
| Date of Birth | 15 June 1988 |
| Place of Birth | Kota Bharu, Kelantan |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Heritage from IIUM |
| Occupation | Islamic preacher, social media influencer, and entrepreneur |
| Net Worth | RM5 million |
| Height | 175 cm |
| Weight | 70 kg |
| Religion | Islam |
| Nationality | Malaysian |
| ustazbudak | |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
Career
Budak started his career as a religious teacher at a private Islamic school in Selangor. He also became a freelance preacher, delivering lectures and talks at various mosques, schools, and events. He gained popularity among the youth for his charismatic and humorous style of preaching, which he claimed was inspired by the late Ustaz Azhar Idrus, a famous Malaysian preacher.
He also used social media platforms, such as Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, to reach out to a wider audience. He had more than 1.5 million followers on Instagram, where he posted videos and photos of his preaching sessions, travels, hobbies, and personal life. He also had his own website, ustazbudak.com, where he uploaded his articles, podcasts, and merchandise.
Ustaz was also involved in several humanitarian and social activities, such as raising funds for orphans, refugees, and the poor, as well as promoting awareness of various issues, such as mental health, drug abuse, and domestic violence. He also collaborated with other celebrities and influencers, such as singers, actors, and comedians, to spread his message and attract more fans. He was featured in several magazines, newspapers, and television shows, and received several awards and recognition for his contributions to society.
Controversies and Scandals
However, Budak’s fame and fortune also came with a price. He faced a lot of criticism and backlash from the religious authorities and the mainstream media, who accused him of being disrespectful, deviant, and misleading in his teachings. They claimed that he was misinterpreting and misrepresenting the Islamic teachings, using vulgar and inappropriate language, and promoting a liberal and secular lifestyle. They also questioned his credentials and qualifications as a preacher and urged the public to be wary of his influence.
Ustaz also faced several legal troubles and scandals throughout his career. In 2017, he was arrested and charged with sedition for allegedly insulting the Sultan of Johor in one of his Instagram posts. He pleaded not guilty and was released on bail. In 2018, he was sued by a woman for allegedly raping her at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur. He denied the allegation and claimed that it was a consensual relationship. The case was settled out of court. In 2019, he was investigated by the religious authorities for allegedly having an affair with a married woman. He admitted to the affair and apologized to his wife and the public. He also announced that he would take a break from his preaching activities to focus on his family and personal matters.
However, the worst scandal that Budak faced was in 2023, when he was charged with committing gross indecency with a man at a hotel in Kota Bharu. He was caught in the act by the hotel staff, who reported him to the police. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six months in prison and fined RM10,000. He also faced a possible whipping under the Syariah law. This scandal shocked and disappointed many of his fans and followers, who felt betrayed and deceived by his actions. It also tarnished his reputation and credibility as a preacher and marked the end of his career.
Personal Life and Family
Some media sources claimed that Ustaz married Nurul Hidayah Mohd Zain, a former student of his, in 2014. They have two children, a son and a daughter. He also has a stepdaughter from his wife’s previous marriage. He lives in Selangor with his family. He is known to be fond of cars, motorcycles, and sports, especially football. He supports the Liverpool Football Club.
Net Worth and Height
Ustaz Budak’s net worth is estimated to be around RM5 million, which he earned from his preaching activities, social media platforms, and merchandise sales. He also owns several properties and vehicles, including a bungalow, a condominium, and a Mercedes-Benz. He is 175 cm tall and weighs 70 kg.
Ustaz Budak to serve prison sentence for extreme obscenity
A popular Islamic preacher in Malaysia, known as “Ustaz Budak” (meaning “Young Preacher”), has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for committing gross indecency with a man at a hotel in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. The preacher, whose real name is Syamsul Zaman Sukri, was found guilty by the Magistrate’s Court on November 23, 2023, after a trial that lasted for more than two years.
What is the case about?
The case dates back to July 2021, when Syamsul Zaman, who was 29 years old at the time, was arrested by the police in a hotel room, where he was allegedly having sexual intercourse with a 21-year-old man. The police had received a tip-off from the public about the illicit activity.
According to the charge sheet, Syamsul Zaman had committed an act of gross indecency, which is defined as “any act involving the use of the genital organ for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire”, with the consent of the other man. The offense is punishable under Section 377D of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment, or a fine, or both.
Syamsul Zaman had pleaded not guilty to the charge and claimed that he was framed by his enemies, who wanted to tarnish his reputation as a preacher. He also denied being homosexual and said that he was married with a child. He said that he had gone to the hotel to meet a friend, who had invited him for a discussion on religious matters. He said that he did not know the other man, who was also in the room, and that he was shocked when the police raided the place.
However, the prosecution presented evidence that contradicted Syamsul Zaman’s defense, including CCTV footage, hotel records, witness testimonies, and forensic reports. The prosecution also argued that Syamsul Zaman had a history of engaging in homosexual acts and that he had used his influence as a preacher to lure young men into his trap. The prosecution said that Syamsul Zaman had abused his position of trust and authority, and had violated the moral and religious values of the society.
