M’sian tourist who called China locals 'smelly' to take legal actions, cites damaged 'good name' & 'reputation'

One of the Malaysian tourists who filmed herself mocking locals in China for body odour in a now-deleted TikTok has issued a statement refuting the criticism.

The user, @ekyn.wong, who was referred to as Nur Asyiqin binti Dalil in a statement from her lawyers posted on her account, has also pursued legal action against people who have defamed her.

She has since disabled comments on her TikTok account.

Statement

In her statement, Asyiqin said she has taken legal action against “any parties who have made defamatory statements, baseless accusations, provocations, or spread false information that has damaged my good name, reputation, and integrity.”

“Any parties who continue to spread defamatory or false information may face appropriate legal action,” she wrote.

Asyiqin also added that legal proceedings were underway.

Lawyer’s statement

In her lawyer's statement, certain “irresponsible parties” were alleged to have made posts and comments containing accusations, insults, and defamatory statements against Asyiqin.

“As a result of these publications and videos, our client, her family, and those close to her have received various forms of criticism, insults, condemnation, threats, and harassment from members of the public and other parties,” the statement read.

Details of Asyiqin’s businesses were reportedly revealed and spread, apparently damaging her and her family's reputation.

The statement also said that the video uploaded by Asyiqin was “her own personal views” and was not intended to represent the views of the individuals shown.

Asyiqin apparently “fears for her own safety and that of her family because internet users have shown various negative reactions, including threats and abusive remarks”.

Additionally, the statement said:

“Our client will take firm action and will not compromise in pursuing legal measures against any party who continues to publish defamatory statements, make baseless accusations, or spread personal information about her and her family.”

Background

In a now-deleted TikTok that was reposted onto Threads, Asyiqin was in a group queuing with other tourists while boarding a bus in China.

One woman was seen covering her nose, and another could be heard shouting at those around them.

"It smells so bad! Did none of you shower?" one of them said in Malay.

One of the women also questioned the locals' grooming habits.

In another video, the group were heard making comments about an e-hailing driver.

"I think he really smells bad. We already showered, you know. Chinese people smell bad. Lazy to shower." One of them said.

The video has garnered backlash and criticism for their conduct, with netizens calling their behaviour embarrassing and disrespectful.