Quick smumary: The Royal Malaysia Police has launched a formal disciplinary probe into an off duty officer linked to a viral social media video that sparked international outrage by showing Malaysian tourists mocking local residents in China. Senior officials have publicly reminded all personnel that they remain strictly subject to institutional regulations and standards of conduct even when out of uniform and travelling abroad. For public policy and international relations, this swift administrative intervention underscores the critical importance of maintaining diplomatic decorum and cultural respect, particularly as growing bilateral tourism exchanges make individual behavior vital towards protecting national reputation and societal well-being.
Royal Malaysia Police has launched a disciplinary probe into one of its personnel linked to a controversial video showing Malaysian tourists shouting “smelly” while covering their noses during a visit to China.
Mohd Khalid Ismail said on Tuesday, 23rd June, that the individual remains on active duty while investigations are ongoing.
“I urge all parties to remain calm as the police 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, as quoted by Bernama.
Ismail also reminded officers and personnel to uphold proper conduct at all times, whether in Malaysia or abroad, noting that they remain subject to the force’s regulations and standard operating procedures even when off duty and out of uniform.
Ismail did not identify the personnel under investigation, but local media reports have linked the case to a video posted by Nur Asyiqin Mohd Dalil, who is also reported to be a member of the police force. It remains unclear whether Khalid was referring specifically to Nur Asyiqin, as the video featured her alongside several other Malaysians.
Nur Asyiqin, whose TikTok username is @ekyn.wong, posted the video on 15th June. Widely perceived as mocking local residents, the clip sparked outrage and criticism, including from Chinese citizens, and attracted international media attention. According to the New Straits Times, the controversy was also highlighted on the US-based programme Firstpost America. Although the original video has been deleted, copies continue to circulate on social media.
Dalil issued an apology on TikTok on 21st June, acknowledging that the video was “excessive” and describing her actions as a “spontaneous and unplanned reaction.”
“I, Nur Asyiqin Mohd Dalil, would like to sincerely and humbly apologise for the viral issue involving my spontaneous reaction while on holiday in China on 15th June,” she said. “I understand and take full responsibility for my actions, which may have offended certain parties. I never intended to offend, embarrass, or create any conflict.”
Earlier on Tuesday, 23rd June, Ismail officiated the 42nd annual general meeting of the Retired Senior Police Officers Association of Malaysia (Respa) at the Kuala Lumpur Police Training College. During the event, he expressed hope that the government would review the warrior’s allowance rate to help former security personnel cope with the rising cost of living.
Meor Chek Hussein Mahayuddin, the president of Respa, raised the issue regarding the financial allowances for recipients of the nation’s highest gallantry awards, the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa and Pingat Gagah Berani. Inspector-General Khalid noted that these allowance rates have remained unchanged since 2009, failing to keep pace with the rising cost of living.
Separately, the video controversy has sparked broader discussion in Malaysia about the conduct of citizens abroad, particularly as tourism exchanges between Malaysia and China continue to grow under relaxed visa arrangements.
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