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A Malaysian woman who went viral after making derogatory remarks about locals in China has apologised, days after issuing a legal warning against those she accused of defaming her
The controversy began after several videos posted by TikTok user @ekyn.wong surfaced on social media, showing a group of Malaysian tourists making remarks about people they encountered during a trip to China.
Although the clips were later deleted from TikTok, they were widely reshared on Threads and other platforms, eventually circulating on Chinese social media as well.
In one of the videos, the group was seen queuing to board a bus alongside other visitors
A woman was filmed covering her nose while another could be heard making comments in Malay about an unpleasant smell around them.
"It smells so bad! Did none of you shower?" one woman said.
The same clip also captured remarks questioning how some locals cleaned themselves after using the toilet.
In another video, the group was heard commenting about an e-hailing driver, with one woman suggesting he had not showered.
"I think he really smells bad. We already showered, you know. Chinese people smell bad. Lazy to shower," she said.
The videos quickly drew criticism from Malaysians online, with many describing the behaviour as disrespectful and embarrassing.
Some users also expressed concern that such actions could negatively affect Malaysians living, studying, or working abroad.
"If you are proud [of] bringing this kind of attitude to a foreign country, please remember the Malaysian students and expats living there; they will be affected by your attitude!" one Threads user wrote.
As criticism intensified, Nur Asyiqin Mohd Dalil, who uses the TikTok username @ekyn.wong, shared a statement from her lawyers on her account
The statement said legal action had been initiated against parties who allegedly made defamatory remarks, false accusations, or shared information that damaged her reputation.
According to the statement, which is still up on her TikTok account, Asyiqin, her family, and people close to her had received criticism, insults, threats, and harassment following the circulation of the videos.
The statement also alleged that information related to her businesses had been exposed online, causing reputational damage.
It further stressed that the views expressed in the videos were Asyiqin's personal opinions and were not intended to represent the other individuals appearing in the clips.
Her lawyers said she feared for her own safety and that of her family due to the online backlash.
The statement warned that legal action would continue against anyone who published defamatory statements, made baseless allegations, or spread personal information about her and her family.
However, on 20 June, Asyiqin released a public apology on TikTok, saying she accepted responsibility for her actions
"I understand and take full responsibility for my actions, which may have offended certain parties," she said.
She described the remarks made during the trip as a "spontaneous reaction" and insisted there was no intention to offend, embarrass, or create conflict.
"I truly regret my actions and realise that my behaviour was excessive."
Asyiqin said she accepted public criticism and advice with an open heart and pledged to be more mindful of public sensitivities in the future.
She also expressed hope that the matter could be put to rest.
"I promise to use this experience as a lesson to become a more mature and responsible person," she said.
