Malaysian content creator issues legal warning after China travel videos spark backlash

Malaysian content creator Nur Asyiqin binti Mohd Dalil, known online as "ekynwong", has issued a formal legal warning through her lawyers after videos from her trip to China sparked widespread online criticism, with her legal team alleging that the ensuing backlash led to cyberbullying, doxxing, defamation and threats against her and her family. 

On Friday, 19 June, Nur Asyiqin posted on her TikTok account an official statement issued by her legal representatives, Amirul Shahidda & Co., following days of controversy over videos showing the influencer making disparaging remarks about conditions and people during her visit to China.

Videos triggered widespread backlash

Several videos originally uploaded to TikTok by @ekyn.wong showed a group of Malaysian tourists mocking Chinese locals over body odour and public behaviour.

In one clip, several women were seen covering their noses and mouths and fanning their faces exaggeratedly while making derogatory remarks in Malay about unpleasant smells. One woman could be heard saying to commuters waiting to board a bus, "You all stink. You stink. Do you all not bathe?" 

Another video showed complaints about noisy passengers on a train, while a separate clip recorded an e-hailing driver accompanied by the remark: "Use deodorant, please. It stinks."

The videos were later deleted from the TikTok account, while comments on the account were disabled. After being reshared on Threads and other social media platforms, the clips drew widespread condemnation from Malaysian internet users..

One reposted video received more than 946,000 views, with one user commenting: "To Malaysian with this kind of attitude you better stay at home with your air conditioner + freshener. "

Influencer announces legal action

On 17 June, Nur Asyiqin posted an official statement on her TikTok account saying she had initiated legal action against individuals who had made defamatory statements, unsubstantiated allegations, provocations and spread false information affecting her "good name, reputation and integrity."

She said she had referred the matter to the authorities and her lawyer for further action through the appropriate legal channels.

She also urged the public to stop speculating or circulating false information regarding the controversy, adding that legal proceedings had already begun and that anyone continuing to spread defamatory or false information could face legal consequences.

Lawyers allege cyberbullying, doxxing and threats

In a more detailed statement issued on 19 June, Amirul Shahidda & Co. said the controversy stemmed from a 25-second video uploaded on 15 June showing what it described as Nur Asyiqin's spontaneous reaction while boarding a crowded bus in China, expressing discomfort with the surrounding conditions and odour.

The law firm said that following the video's circulation, numerous individuals published content on TikTok, Instagram, Threads and Facebook containing insults, threats, defamatory remarks and provocative commentary directed at their client.

According to the statement, online users had:

• publicly disclosed Nur Asyiqin's employment information alongside posts allegedly intended to damage both her and her employer's reputation;
• posted insulting comments targeting her children and family;
• revealed personal information relating to her business in an attempt to damage its reputation; and
• published videos and commentary that allegedly encouraged further public criticism against her.

The lawyers said the influencer and her family had since received sustained criticism, insults and threats, adding that the issue had been manipulated and irresponsibly amplified by certain parties online.

Lawyer says video reflected personal opinion only

The legal statement stressed that the video represented Nur Asyiqin's own personal views and actions, and did not involve or represent any other individuals, including those appearing in the footage or friends travelling with her during the trip.

The firm urged the public to stop targeting those individuals, warning that legal action would also be taken against anyone unlawfully exposing or spreading their identities and personal information to provoke further harassment.

According to the lawyers, the controversy has caused Nur Asyiqin to fear for the safety of herself and her family because of the threats and hostile reactions received online, while also damaging the reputation of both her and her family.

Firm warns of further legal action

Amirul Shahidda & Co. said it had been instructed to reserve all of Nur Asyiqin's legal rights and reject what it described as defamatory allegations made against her.

The firm said it would take firm legal action over the dissemination of her personal information and that of her family, whether directly or indirectly.

It concluded by warning that Nur Asyiqin would "not compromise" with any party that continues to publish defamatory statements, baseless allegations or distribute her or her family's personal information, stating that legal proceedings had already commenced.