During the Movement Control Order (MCO), a new local YouTube star was born – Sugu Pavithra, a couple from Ipoh who enjoyed sharing their cooking recipes online.

The pair seemed like a lovely and endearing couple, which is why the nation got a rude shock when news of M. Sugu allegedly hitting S. Pavithra with a sickle made headlines on Wednesday (23 July).

According to The Star, Sugu, who was reportedly intoxicated, hit Pavithra at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh with the sickle as he was unhappy that his wife failed to mention his name when she received an award from the Ipoh mayor recently.

Sugu was arrested on the scene, and was remanded three days to assist investigation.

Sugu being brought to the Magistrate's Court in Ipoh.

Pavithra sustained injuries on her face and arm and lodged a police report against Sugu.

Malaysians are outraged

Netizens were outraged upon hearing Pavithra’s account of the story, and they took to social media to share kind words with the Ipoh-born YouTube star; encouraging her to stay strong.

Some also regretted that Sugu acted in such way, which may cause them their YouTube career and ultimately, their relationship.

No more Sugu Pavithra after this, it's just Queen Pavithra. Don't be with a man who can't handle your crown, ladies. ?
— Sharifah Hani Yasmin (@sharifahyasmiin) July 22, 2020

Sugu and Pavithra shows us that a weak man is afraid of powerful woman
— Sarol ⎊ (@moshahrulfitri) July 22, 2020

Domestic violence lurks everywhere.Masa tengok video rasa maca dieorang happy couple.I can't believe it when the husband could hit his wife over some petty matter.Stay strong Pavithra
— Helmi-senpai ( ヘルミ先輩 ) | ?? (@NerdKid_94) July 22, 2020

can’t understand why ada orang backup sugu. Just because pavithra lupa nak mention nama dia. doesn’t mean she tak appreciate his husband punya hard work. maybe she was so nervous during the interview and forget to mention ?
— Dina ? (@dinaahazirah) July 22, 2020

My heart goes out to Pavithra ♡ I’m so sick of Indian women becoming victims of senseless violence, ESPECIALLY from their husbands. We all need to do better to stop this. https://t.co/gfEUa7Xipl
— this is: (@yeahvee) July 22, 2020

I hope Pavithra is okay. Trauma that comes from violence, especially from someone you love and trust is very damaging. I hope she is able to fight through this and let’s not be disrespectful and invalidate her feelings by excusing Sugu’s actions. It’s not your place to forgive.
— shridha nair⁷ (@potatonair) July 22, 2020

So we’re disappointed with Sugu? Imagine Pavithra. So many things to consider. Their YouTube channel. Her kids. Their future. Her future. Wishing her all the best in facing this challenging time.
— driz (@bekalmom) July 22, 2020

Pavithra is just Pavithra now. Don't stay with men that have the greed to outshine you even after you both work hard & deserve the same shine. Don't lay so low for men that can't handle the weight of your throne. Stay for men that support your dreams & make your wings unclipped.
— ˢʸᵃᶠ | Check out my online store ? (@AD0RABOWL) July 22, 2020

Upset after reading about the alleged abuse of Pavithra by her husband, Sugu at a hospital parking lot. He was drunk, had a grass sickle, a nurse witnessed the incident called the guards. There are many sympathisers who blame alcohol & their celebrity status. WHAT? #sugupavithra pic.twitter.com/DNbY2u6wEo
— SK Thanusha Devi (@skthanusha) July 22, 2020

Muslim or notDrinking alcohol is nobody’s right, no one benefit from itDomestic violence, drunk driving, vital organ failure etcPavithra deserves betterAll victims of alcohol related offences deserve betterBan alcohol altogether
— mohamed alfatih (@mohamedalfatih) July 22, 2020

Pavithra, you dont deserve to be treated this way..you have 2 boys..they don't deserve to cry and sad over what happened to their parent...be brave, make the right choice, so that, your boys don't turn out to be like their father...
— Irene Lourdes (@IreneLourdes9) July 23, 2020

And to think that Sugu looks so shy and lemah lembut on camera...hoping that Kak Pavithra remains safe and would continue to thrive with her Youtube channel. Malaysians are always here to support her! ✊?
— ayu. (@ayuwhereayu) July 23, 2020

Others offered their opinion on the underlying issues that many may not know about.

We hope that justice will be served soon as no one should suffer such predicament no matter what the reason is.

“Pavithra Deserves Better” – Netizens Rally Behind YouTuber Following Domestic Abuse Case

Malaysians are outraged