Malaysian tourists mock Chinese locals as 'smelly' in viral TikTok clips

A group of Malaysian tourists is facing intense backlash for filming strangers and mocking locals in China as 'smelly,' sparking widespread debate on travel etiquette and national image. The clips, which appeared to show the visitors shouting insults in Malay while traveling in the country, were allegedly first posted on TikTok by user @ekyn.wong. They were later deleted from the account but not before going viral on Malaysian social media. In one video, a woman is heard telling a crowd of Chinese commuters waiting to board a bus: 'You all stink. You stink. Do you all not bathe?' Another clip shows her complaining about noisy passengers on a train, and she also recorded an e-hailing driver, saying 'Use deodorant, please. It stinks.' The videos have drawn sharp criticism from Malaysian netizens, with reposted content garnering over 920,000 views and thousands of comments condemning the 'crude and entitled' behavior.

The incident comes at a time of booming travel ties between Malaysia and China, with both nations benefiting from visa-free policies and increased tourism. Critics argue that such rude conduct could damage Malaysia's national image and jeopardize the reputation of other Malaysian travelers abroad. Many have called for greater awareness and accountability, urging tourists to respect local customs when visiting foreign countries. The backlash highlights a broader conversation about cross-cultural etiquette and the responsibilities that come with international travel, especially in an era where social media can amplify missteps globally.