PDRM opens disciplinary probe into officer after China videos spark backlash

The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has launched a disciplinary investigation into one of its personnel following a viral controversy involving a social media influencer accused of making insulting remarks about local residents while travelling in China.

The officer will remain on active duty while the investigation is underway, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said.

The videos drew widespread criticism on social media and attracted attention from foreign media after the influencer was allegedly seen covering her nose and shouting inappropriate remarks in a public area in China.

Mohd Khalid urged the public not to speculate while the investigation was ongoing.

"I urge all parties to remain calm as PDRM will conduct a thorough investigation. Apart from disciplinary aspects, appropriate action will also be taken if any breach of the law is established," he told reporters.

He also reminded police officers and personnel that they are required to maintain proper conduct both in Malaysia and overseas, adding that members of the force remain bound by police regulations and standard operating procedures even when off duty and out of uniform.

The officer would continue performing normal duties pending the outcome of the disciplinary inquiry.

Videos trigger widespread criticism

The officer was identified as Malaysian content creator Nur Asyiqin binti Mohd Dalil, known online as "ekynwong".

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 while fanning their faces exaggeratedly and making derogatory remarks in Malay about unpleasant smells. One woman was 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 featured an e-hailing driver accompanied by the remark: "Use deodorant, please. It stinks."

The videos were later deleted from the TikTok account and 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

Amid the controversy, Nur Asyiqin issued a formal legal warning through her lawyers, alleging that the online backlash had resulted in cyberbullying, doxxing, defamation and threats against her and her family.

On 17 June, she posted a statement on TikTok 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 the matter had been referred to the relevant authorities and her lawyer for further action through the appropriate legal channels.

Nur Asyiqin also urged the public to stop speculating or circulating false information, saying legal proceedings had already commenced and warning that anyone continuing to spread defamatory or false information could face legal consequences.

Lawyers allege cyberbullying and threats

In a more detailed statement issued on 19 June, law firm 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 firm said that after 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 lawyers, 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 allegedly encouraging further public criticism against her.

The lawyers said Nur Asyiqin 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.

Firm says video reflected personal opinion

Amirul Shahidda & Co. said the video represented Nur Asyiqin's personal views and actions only 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 had 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.

The firm 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.

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

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